From India Today · India Today World Desk · · 1m 10s
Maldives opposition leader arrested on child sexual abuse charges
Maldives opposition leader Abdulla Shahid arrested over child sexual abuse allegations.
In brief
Maldives opposition leader Abdulla Shahid arrested over child sexual abuse allegations. Maldives opposition leader Abdulla Shahid was arrested on child sexual abuse charges, complicating his party's 2028 presidential campaign. Originally reported by India Today.
Arrest details
Maldives police arrested opposition leader Abdulla Shahid under Section 18 of police regulations pursuant to a court warrant executed in Male.
Arrest context
Shahid, 64, who heads the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was taken into custody at 9:59 pm local time under a court order.
Arrest timing
The arrest occurred late Monday night, following Shahid's public statement urging people not to circulate unverified claims about him.
Shahid's background
Shahid served as Maldives' foreign minister from 2018 to 2023 and was elected president of the UN General Assembly in 2021.
Political impact
Shahid's arrest complicates the MDP's preparations for the 2028 presidential election, where he was actively campaigning for the party's nomination.
Controversy with president
Shahid warned President Mohamed Muizzu against reviving anti-India politics after Muizzu's visit to Pakistan.
The short version
Maldives opposition leader Abdulla Shahid was arrested on child sexual abuse charges, complicating his party's 2028 presidential campaign.
