The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has removed former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid from its National Council WhatsApp group, days after he was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor.
A senior MDP official told The Standard that Shahid had been taken out of the group, which is reserved for council members.
The official said the decision was taken because of the seriousness of the allegation against him.
Shahid was arrested under a court order at his apartment in Hulhumalé on the night of 2 November, over allegations involving a child under 18.
The Criminal Court has since remanded him for 30 days, the full period police had requested. He is being held at the custodial facility on Dhoonidhoo.
Shahid served as President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He led the MDP from February 2024 until 14 August 2026, when he resigned to contest the party’s presidential primary ahead of the 2028 election.
Shortly before his arrest, he denied the allegations on X, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
