Maldives arrests minister on charges of performing ‘black magic’ on Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu
Shamnaz, who served as a state minister at the Ministry of Environment, was detained on June 23 along with two other suspects
Maldives : Maldives Minister Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem has been suspended from her role after being arrested with her two siblings on charges of practising witchcraft on President Mohamed Muizzu.
Shamnaz, who served as a state minister at the Ministry of Environment, was detained on June 23 along with two other suspects. They have been remanded in custody for seven days. The Environment Ministry suspended Shamnaz from her position on Wednesday.
Previously listed as a political appointee on the Environment Ministry's website, Shamnaz's name has now been removed and added to the list of former political appointees, according to media sources.
Reports from Sun indicate that Shamnaz was arrested for allegedly using 'black magic' to gain influence over President Muizzu. However, the Maldives government has not yet made an official statement regarding the incident.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan confirmed to Sun on Wednesday morning that an investigation involving Shamnaz and the other two individuals is underway.
Shamnaz is the former wife of Minister of the President's Office Adam Rameez, as reported by Adhadhu. She previously served on the Male City Council alongside President Muizzu when he was the mayor. Following Muizzu's election last year, Shamnaz resigned from the council and was appointed as a state minister at Muliaage, the president's official residence, before being transferred to the Environment Ministry.