President Muizzu Denies Political Motivation in Shahid's Arrest, Calls for Rule of Law

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has denied that the arrest of former Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid was politically motivated, rejecting allegations made by opposition figures. Shahid was arrested last Friday on suspicion of sexually abusing a child, and the Criminal Court has ordered a 30-day detention. Responding to a journalist's question at a press conference at the Presidential Office today, the President stated that the government would not arrest or punish anyone for political reasons, describing such practices as something the current administration had already ended. He emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, noting the matter involved a small child, and stated that no distinction should be made between individuals during law enforcement. The President affirmed that the government would not place any obstacles in following the necessary legal procedures and that the rule of law must prevail in the country. Abdullah Shahid is a former Speaker of the People’s Majlis, former President of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and a former President of the UN General Assembly. He was awarded the highest state honor, the title of Nishan Izzuddin, under the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.