The High Court has registered an appeal filed by former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid against the Criminal Court’s order remanding him in custody for 30 days over allegations of sexually abusing a minor.

The appeal was submitted on Thursday, and the High Court’s website now lists the case as registered.

Shahid was arrested at his Hulhumalé apartment on Monday night under a court warrant. He was subsequently produced before the Criminal Court on Tuesday, which ordered his detention for 30 days pending further proceedings.

Police also searched his residence at H. Rabee' Manzil in Malé on Thursday night.

Shahid, the former President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, had announced his intention to contest the MDP presidential primary. Before his arrest, he posted on X, describing the allegations circulating against him as politically motivated fabrications and urging people not to spread unsubstantiated claims.