Gender Ministry Urges Media Not to Disclose Information Harming Child in Shahid Abuse Case

The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has called on media outlets and the public to refrain from sharing any information that could harm the reputation of a minor involved in the case where former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid is accused of sexually abusing a child. In a statement released tonight, the Ministry emphasized that children are entitled to special assistance and protection from the family, society, and the state. It noted that despite these legal protections, private details of children are being disclosed on various media platforms in a manner that damages their reputation. The Ministry therefore requested that no such information be made public. The Ministry specifically stated that private information—including the names, addresses, and educational institution details of children who are accused of crimes, victims of crimes, or otherwise in need of protection—should not be published directly or indirectly. It also said that any content that could identify a child, or images of such children, should not be shared through any media or other means, in order to safeguard the child's interests. Releasing such information that could harm a child's reputation, even without intent to exert influence or for any other purpose, constitutes an infringement on the child's rights, the Ministry said. Since protecting children's rights is a legal responsibility for the entire society, the Ministry appealed for compliance with this request. Abdulla Shahid was arrested under a court order last Monday night from his apartment in Hulhumale on allegations of sexually abusing a child under the age of 18. When he was produced before the court on Tuesday to decide on his detention, he was ordered to be held in custody for 30 days. Police also entered and inspected Shahid's residence, H. Rabee Manzil in Malé, on Tuesday night. Shahid, a former Foreign Minister and former President of the UN General Assembly who has announced his candidacy in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary, had posted on X prior to his arrest, stating that claims suggesting his assassination was politically motivated were baseless falsehoods, and appealed against spreading such unsubstantiated rumors.