Gender Ministry Warns Against Disclosing Child's Identity in Abdulla Shahid Case

The Gender Ministry has expressed concern over the public disclosure of private information of the child involved in the case where former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor while holding a trusted position. In a press statement, the Ministry reminded that revealing such information is legally prohibited under the Child Rights Protection Act and urged the public and media to refrain from sharing details that could identify the child. Shahid, former President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and a presidential candidate, was detained for 30 days by court order on the 3rd of this month pending trial. He has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated falsehoods designed to damage his reputation. The Ministry emphasized that children require special protection from the family, society, and the state, as per the Constitution and laws. It noted that disclosing private information, including photos or videos that could reveal a child's name, address, or school, is an offense. The Ministry called on society to take responsibility and avoid using a child's information to influence public opinion.