Former Foreign Minister Shahid arrested over alleged child sexual abuse

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Shahid has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor under the age of 18, police have said.

In a statement issued on November 2, police said Shahid, 64, of H. Rabee’ee Manzil, Malé, was arrested at approximately 9:59 p.m. on Monday under a court warrant.

Police said the case is under further investigation.

Shahid served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2018 to 2023 under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

He also served as President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly from 2021 to 2022.