President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated today that there is no political motivation behind the arrest of former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.
Shahid was arrested on November 2 under a court order, accused of sexually abusing a minor under the age of 18 while in a position of trust. He remains at the police custodial centre in Dhoonidhoo after the court ordered he be held in remand in custody for 30 days. Shahid's legal team has appealed his arrest and remand at the High Court.
At a press conference held at the President's Office today, President Muizzu asserted that the government has no involvement in Shahid's arrest, adding that Shahid has been arrested over very serious charges.
"No one will be persecuted for political reasons. That is something I brought to an end in this country. Political persecution has been brought to a stop. So that is not something I would do," the President stated.
The President asserted that the government must allow for full legal procedures to be enforced without fear or favour against anyone accused of such serious crimes against children, regardless of who they may be or what status they may hold.
"So this government will not obstruct any measures taken to follow these procedures," the president said.
Minutes before his arrest, Shahid shared a post on social media dismissing the allegations against him as politically motivated falsehoods being spread for character assassination.
Professionally, Shahid has served in diplomacy, and later, politics, for several decades.
On the international platform, Shahid has previously served as President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In the Maldives, Shahid filled the post of Foreign Minister twice, during the administrations of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Shahid also served as a parliamentarian for 23 years, having once been elected Speaker of Parliament as well.
In 2021, Shahid was awarded the highest State honour, Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, in recognition of his national and international service.
He also served as President of the opposition MDP. He resigned from the post after announcing his intention to run in the party's primaries to secure the ticket for the upcoming 2028 presidential elections.
