Maldives Opposition Leader Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Suspicion

Maldivian opposition leader and former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, 64, was arrested Monday night on suspicion of sexually abusing a child under 18, police confirmed in a statement Tuesday. The arrest took place at his residence in the capital, Malé, under a court warrant issued for the alleged offense.

Shahid is a high-profile political figure who served as president of the United Nations General Assembly for a one-year term ending September 2022. At the time of his arrest, he was actively campaigning for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary ahead of the country's next presidential election, due by September 2028.

Shortly before police took him into custody, Shahid posted on X describing the allegations as "completely baseless lies" circulated in a political manner to assassinate his character ahead of the primaries and general election. He urged the public not to spread what he called unsubstantiated claims.

The Maldives, an Indian Ocean island nation of about 520,000 people, is best known internationally for its luxury tourism sector. Police have not disclosed additional details about the investigation or the identity of the alleged victim. Shahid remains in custody as the investigation continues.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/11/03/maldives-arrests-ex-foreign-minister-on-sexual-assault-charge/