President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has responded to claims by the opposition that the arrest of former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was politically motivated.

Abdulla Shahid was arrested last Monday on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor. The Criminal Court has remanded him for 30 days.

Responding to a journalist's question on the matter at a press conference held at the President's Office today, the President said this government will not arrest or punish anyone for political reasons, and that this is something the government has brought to an end.

The President said the allegation against Shahid is a serious one.

"This is a very serious matter involving a child. So whoever the offender in this matter may be, there must be no discrimination in the law toward that person. In enforcing the law, the government must give the person believed to have committed it the opportunity to follow due process. So the government will not obstruct what needs to be done to follow that process," the President said.

The President said the rule of law must prevail in the Maldives.

Abdulla Shahid has served as Speaker of the People's Majlis and as president of the opposition MDP. Shahid, who has also served as President of the UN General Assembly, was awarded the state's highest honour, the Nishan Izzuddeen, during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.