The Criminal Court has ordered former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Speaker of Parliament Abdulla Shahid, who was arrested last night, be remanded for 30 days over allegations of child sexual abuse.

Police just stated that he was remanded for 30 days after being produced in court. However, the court has not publicized the order yet.

The Criminal Court said that a 30-day remand is ordered based on the type and severity of the crime and if the police have presented sufficient facts in regards to the allegation.

This is the longest remand that can be ordered.

A statement from the police last night reads a warrant was issued for Shahid's arrest over allegations of child sexual abuse against a child below 18 years of age.

Without commenting further about the allegations against Abdulla Shahid, 64, who also served as the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), police said last night that they will continue to investigate the case.

Shortly before his arrest, Shahid took to X to deny the political rumors circulating about him, saying they were baseless and intended to tarnish his reputation. He urged the public not to spread unverified claims.

Shahid was arrested at around 9:51pm last night from Rainbow Oceanfront Residence, Hulhumale', where he resides at.

He was escorted from his apartment to a police vehicle and initially taken to the Hulhumale' Police Station before being transferred to Dhoonidhoo Custodial Centre.

Shahid, who was conferred the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen, is accused of sexually abusing a child. He is also seeking the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) ticket to contest the 2028 presidential election.