The High Court has cancelled the first hearing of the appeal case submitted by former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid against the arrest order issued against him on charges of child sexual abuse. 

The High Court's schedule, which did not list Shahid's full name, showed that the initial hearing of the appeal case was scheduled for 1pm today. However, the hearing has since been cancelled.

The High Court has not disclosed the reasons for the cancellation. 

Shahid was arrested on the night of November 2 on charges of child sexual abuse. He remains at the police custody centre in Dhoonidhoo as the court has placed him in remand in custody for 30 days.

Following his arrest, police issued a statement saying that Shahid had been arrested under a court order, and that he is accused of sexually abusing a minor under the age of 18 while in a position of trust. 

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. 

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.