The Ministry of Gender has urged that no information that compromises the dignity of the child involved in the case where former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid is accused of sexually abusing a minor be circulated.

In a statement issued by the Gender Ministry tonight, it was stated that children are individuals who should receive special assistance and protection from their families, society, and the state.

However, the ministry noted that contrary to these principles, personal information of children is being disclosed on various media platforms in a manner that compromises their dignity. Therefore, the statement urged that information related to children not be made public in a way that undermines their dignity.

"We wish to state that personal information such as the names, addresses, and educational institutions of children—especially children accused of crimes, victims of crime, or children requiring care and protection for any other reason—should not be published directly or indirectly in any media or other medium, including any information or photographs that could identify the child, for the purpose of protecting their best interests," the ministry said.

The ministry stated that making information public on various media platforms in a manner that compromises a child's dignity, whether for the purpose of exerting influence or for any other reason, constitutes a violation of a child's rights. Since protecting children's rights is a legal responsibility incumbent upon the entire society, the ministry has urged that no such actions be taken.

Shahid was arrested under a court order last Monday night from his apartment in Hulhumalé on allegations of sexually abusing a minor under the age of 18. Furthermore, when he was presented to court on Tuesday to decide on his remand, the court ordered him to be detained for a period of 30 days.

On Tuesday night, police entered and searched H. Rabieemanzil, Shahid's residence in Malé.

Former Foreign Minister and former President of the United Nations General Assembly Abdulla Shahid, who has announced his candidacy for the MDP presidential primary, posted on X prior to his arrest. In that post, Shahid stated that politically motivated claims aimed at assassinating his character were entirely baseless and false, and urged against spreading such unsubstantiated rumors.