Former President Abdulla Shahid's Child Abuse Case Transferred to High Court

The case against former President and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse of a child, has been transferred to the High Court. Shahid, a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), had appealed the detention order against him. The High Court registry confirmed that the case was submitted yesterday, though it is not yet clear whether the court has taken it up. Shahid was arrested under a court order on suspicion of sexually abusing a child under the age of 18 and was subsequently taken to Dhiyafushi Prison, where a 30-day detention period was imposed. Shortly before his arrest, Shahid posted on 'X' that the allegations were politically motivated and baseless, urging people not to spread unsubstantiated stories. Shahid, a distinguished political figure with over 40 years of service in foreign policy, the People's Majlis, and international leadership, was arrested while campaigning as a candidate for the MDP presidential ticket.