The family of former Vice President Faisal Naseem has said that the sexual abuse allegations being spread about him on social media are false.

A statement signed by 10 of Faisal’s family members described the claims as untrue and categorically false. The statement also rejected claims that Faisal’s mother and three other family members met then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President’s Office in 2023.

The family said it jointly condemns the claims, which it said were being spread for political gain and to damage Faisal’s reputation.

The allegations began circulating as reports grew that Faisal is preparing to run in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary with the backing of former President Solih.