Maldives minister arrested for performing ‘black magic’ on President Muizzu: Report

Maldives environment minister Fathima Shamnaz Ali Saleem, and three others, were arrested for allegedly performing ‘black magic’ on President Mohamed Muizzu.

Published on: Jun 28, 2024, 07:00:02 IST

By HT News Desk

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Maldives environment minister Fathima Shamnaz Ali Saleem was arrested for allegedly performing ‘black magic’ on President Mohamed Muizzu, local media reported on Thursday.

President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu

According to reports, along with Shamnaz, her ex-husband Adam Rameez, who was serving as a minister at the President’s Office, and two others have also been arrested on charges of using witchcraft, reportedly to get closer to Muizzu.

The incident came to light on June 23, following which the four accused were remanded in custody for seven days. On Wednesday, Shamnaz was suspended as the state minister at the ministry of environment, reported local media house Sun.

Also read: What the Maldives election landslide means for India

The chief police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan, said that the investigation is underway.

Shamnaz, who was listed on the Maldives Environment Ministry's website as a political appointee, is no longer on the list. Her name has been moved to the list of ‘former’ political appointees.

Previously, she served as a member of the Male City Council with Muizzu - back when he was serving as the city's mayor.

Also read: PM Narendra Modi back at work, engages Maldives Prez Muizzu at President's banquet

Shamnaz and her accused ex-husband both previously served as members of the Male City Council with Muizzu when he was the city's mayor. Following Muizzu's election as the President of Maldives last year, Shamnaz resigned from the council and was appointed as a state minister at Muliaage, the official residence of the president. She was later transferred to the environment ministry.

On the other hand, her ex-husband, Rameez, was known to be a close aide of Muizzu. However, local media said he had been absent from public view for the past five months.

Meanwhile, neither the Maldives government nor the President's office have made any official statements on the case yet.

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