Maldives environment minister Fathima Shamnaz Ali Saleem and three others were arrested on Thursday for allegedly performing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu.
Shamnaz, along with her ex-husband Adam Rameez, who served as a minister at the President’s Office, and two other individuals, faces charges of using witchcraft purportedly to gain favour with President Muizzu.
The arrests were made following an investigation that began on June 23, leading to their remand for seven days.
The Ministry of Environment has since suspended Shamnaz from her position.
Local media outlet Sun reported the removal of her name from the current political appointees list, and that now it appears among former appointees.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
Shamnaz’s connection to Muizzu dates back to their time together on the Male City Council, where she served alongside him during his tenure as mayor.
Following Muizzu's election as President last year, Shamnaz resigned from the council to assume her role at Muliaage, the presidential residence, before her transfer to the Environment Ministry.
Adam Rameez, Shamnaz’s ex-husband, was also closely linked to President Muizzu but had been absent from the public eye for the past five months, raising speculations.
His involvement in the case further complicates the narrative.
As of now, neither the Maldives government nor the President's office has issued an official statement regarding the arrests or the allegations.
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