'Black Magic' On President Muizzu? Here's What We Know

Fathima Shamnaz Ali Saleem, the Maldives environment minister, has been arrested, along with her ex-husband Adam Rameez, who was serving at the President's Office, and two others, on allegations of performing 'black magic' on President Mohamed Muizzu, according to local media reports on Thursday.

The arrests were made following accusations that they used witchcraft to allegedly influence or get closer to President Muizzu.

Did Maldives Minister Perform 'Black Magic' On President Muizzu?

The incident came to public attention on June 23, leading to the remand of the four accused in custody for seven days. Shamnaz was subsequently suspended from her position as state minister at the Ministry of Environment, as reported by local media outlet Sun.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan confirmed that investigations are currently ongoing into the allegations. Shamnaz, previously listed as a political appointee on the Maldives Environment Ministry's website, has since been removed from the active list and categorized under 'former' political appointees. She had a previous political career as a member of the Male City Council, serving alongside Muizzu during his tenure as the city's mayor.

Both Shamnaz and her ex-husband, Rameez, were known figures in Male City Council politics. After Muizzu's election as 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, before later being transferred to the environment ministry.

Rameez, who was noted for his proximity to Muizzu, had reportedly been absent from public view for the past five months, as noted by local media sources. Despite the seriousness of the allegations and the arrests made, neither the Maldives government nor the President's office has issued an official statement regarding the case as of now.

The situation has stirred significant public and media interest in the Maldives, highlighting the sensitive nature of the charges against high-profile individuals within the government. The case underscores the legal and cultural complexities surrounding allegations of witchcraft or supernatural practices in the region, where such accusations can carry serious legal consequences.

As the investigation continues, there is anticipation regarding further developments and official responses from authorities, which will likely shape the public discourse and perceptions surrounding this unusual and controversial incident in Maldivian politics.