Maldives Minister Fathimath Shamnaz Ali suspended for ‘black magic’ on President Muizzu

Maldives Minister Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem was suspended after being arrested along with her two siblings on charges of performing “black magic” on President Mohamed Muizzu, said local media reports.

Saleem is the state minister for Environment, Climate Change and Energy in Maldives. On June 23, Shamnaz, along with two other suspects, were arrested and remanded in custody for seven days.

According to Maldives-based Sun, Shamnaz, once listed as a political appointee on the Environment Ministry's website, has been moved to the list of former political appointees, according to Maldives-based Sun.

“Police were investigating a case involving Shamnaz and two other individuals,” Chief police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan, told Sun.

Notably, the Maldives government has yet to make an official statement on this situation. Shamnaz previously served as a member of the Male City Council with President Muizzu when he was the city's mayor.

After Muizzu's election to President's office last year, Shamnaz resigned from the council, was appointed state minister at Muliaage, and later transferred to the Environment Ministry.

Her role is vital in a nation facing the brunt of the climate crisis. UN environmental experts warn that rising sea levels could make it nearly uninhabitable by the end of the century.

Maldives' black magic history

In April 2023, a 62-year-old woman on Manadhoo was fatally stabbed by three neighbours who accused her of practising black magic, as reported by the Mihaaru news website. After an extensive investigation, police stated they found no evidence to support the claim that the victim was involved in sorcery.

In a separate incident in 2012, during a crackdown on an opposition political rally, police claimed the organizers threw a "cursed rooster" at officers raiding their offices.

Sorcery is not a criminal offence under the penal code in the Muslim-majority Maldives. However, under Islamic law, it does carry a six-month jail sentence. People across the archipelago widely practice traditional ceremonies, believing they can win favours and curse opponents.

(With inputs from agencies)