Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has been arrested tonight on charges of child sexual abuse.

Police stated that Shahid was arrested at 21:59hrs tonight under a court order. He is accused of sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 18. 

Minutes before the arrest, Shahid shared a post on X stating that defamatory claims being made against him are untrue, and appealed to refrain from spreading unfounded rumours. 

Shahid was reportedly arrested from his residence at Rainbow Ocean Front in Hulhumale'. Police initially took him to the Hulhumale' Police Station, but he has since been transferred to the police custody centre in Dhoonidhoo. 

Police did not disclose any further details regarding the case against Shahid, who earlier served as the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, except confirming that investigations are ongoing. 

The arrest comes at a time when Shahid, who also previously served as Speaker of Parliament and President of MDP, is actively campaigning to secure the MDP's ticket for the 2028 presidential elections. 

In 2021, Shahid was awarded the highest State honour, Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, in recognition of his national and international service.