Maldives’ Environment Minister Fathima Shamnaz Ali Saleem has been arrested, along with her ex-husband and two others, on charges of allegedly using Black Magic to influence President Mohamed Muizzu. Local media reported that Shamnaz, formerly a state minister at the Ministry of Environment, was accused of performing ‘black magic’ to gain proximity to the President.
The incident came to light on June 23, leading to the arrest of Shamnaz, her ex-husband Adam Rameez (formerly a minister at the President’s Office), and two accomplices. They have been remanded in custody for seven days as the investigation progresses. Shamnaz was subsequently suspended from her ministerial position on Wednesday.
Shamnaz and Rameez, both former members of the Male City Council alongside President Muizzu when he served as the city’s mayor, have been implicated in using occult practices following Muizzu’s election as President last year. Shamnaz initially served at Muliaage, the presidential residence, before her transfer to the Ministry of Environment.
The Maldives government and the President’s office have not issued official statements on the case. Investigations into the alleged ‘black magic’ incident are ongoing, as reported by Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan.
