Appeal hearing in former Foreign Minister Shahid case cancelled

The appeal hearing regarding the court order to arrest former MDP President and former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, over allegations of sexually abusing a minor under the age of 18, has been cancelled after being scheduled for today.

The appeal hearing against the court's arrest warrant for Shahid was initially scheduled to be held today at 1:00 PM.

However, the hearing has now been cancelled, and the court has not yet disclosed the reason for the cancellation.

Shahid was taken into police custody on the 2nd of this month on allegations of sexually abusing a minor under 18.

When he was brought before the court on the 3rd of this month for a remand decision in connection with the case, the court ordered him to be held in custody for 30 days pending investigation.

As the investigation continues, police entered and searched Shahid’s official residence, H. Rabee'ee Manzil, on the 4th of this month under a court warrant.

Additionally, shortly before his arrest, he posted on 'X' denying the allegations against him.

In the post, he stated that these are baseless lies being spread politically for character assassination, and urged people not to spread such unsubstantiated rumors.

The 64 year old Shahid is a veteran figure in Maldivian politics.

He served twice as Minister of Foreign Affairs during the administrations of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

He also served as President of the United Nations General Assembly, worked in the People's Majlis (Parliament) for 23 years, and served as the Speaker of Parliament.

In August, Shahid resigned from his position as President of the MDP and officially began campaigning to contest in the MDP presidential primary.