Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid arrested on child sexual abuse charges
Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has been arrested on charges of child sexual abuse, which he denies. The arrest is politically significant as Shahid is a prominent opposition figure and a former UN General Assembly President.
Why it matters
The arrest of a high-profile political figure has major implications for the Maldivian political landscape and the upcoming 2028 presidential elections.
Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was arrested late on Monday (November 2, 2026) on charges of child sexual abuse, the Maldives Police said. Mr. Shahid has denied the allegations, local media said. He was arrested around 10 p.m. local time following a court order. The arrest assumes significance as Mr.
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