Shahid's detention appeal hearing canceled due to administrative reasons
15 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 10:29The High Court has canceled the appeal hearing regarding the 30-day remand of former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, who was arrested on allegations of child sexual abuse, citing administrative reasons. While the police investigation continues, Shahid’s arrest comes shortly after he announced his candidacy and launched his campaign for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary for the 2028 presidential election.
Shahid arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse. | police
The High Court has cancelled a scheduled hearing regarding the appeal of a detention order issued by the Criminal Court against former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, who was arrested on allegations of child sexual abuse.
Following his arrest under a court order for the alleged sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 18, Shahid was presented before the Criminal Court for a remand hearing. The court has ordered him to be remanded in custody for a period of 30 days.
Following an appeal filed by Shahid at the High Court challenging the decision, the court officially registered the case last Sunday.
Although the hearing for this case was scheduled for 1:15 PM on Sunday, November 15, it has since been cancelled. The High Court informed "RaajjeMV" that the cancellation was due to administrative reasons.
Shahid’s arrest and subsequent remand come shortly after his official announcement to contest the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) primary for the 2028 presidential election. Prior to his detention, Shahid had already launched his campaign activities, traveling across Male’ and various administrative atolls to engage with the public.
Police are further investigating these serious allegations against Shahid, who served as the Foreign Minister in the previous administration and also held the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly.
