Maldives climate minister arrested for ‘black magic’ against President Muizzu

Although witchcraft is not a crime in the Maldives, under Islamic law it can result in a six-month prison sentence

President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu. Photo: Reuters

Abhijeet Kumar New Delhi

Maldivian police have arrested state Environment Minister Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, with media in the Indian Ocean suggesting she has been accused of using “black magic” against President Mohamed Muizzu.

Saleem, the minister of state for the environment, climate change and energy, was detained on Sunday in the capital Male along with two others, local police said. Pending the investigation, she has been in custody for a week, and officials have not provided any details about her arrest.

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Local media The Sun reported: “There were reports that Shamnaz was arrested for casting black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu.”

Although witchcraft is not a crime in the Maldives, under Islamic law it is punishable by six months in prison.

Shamnaz plays a key role in a country grappling with the severe effects of climate change. Her position is crucial as UN experts warn that rising sea levels could leave the Maldives uninhabitable by the end of the century.

Shamnaz’s ex-husband Adam Rameez, who previously worked closely with President Muizzu, was also suspended. He has not been with the president for several months. The arrested minister is the mother of three children, including a child under one year of age.

Additionally, Shamnaz’s siblings and another suspect were arrested on June 23. According to reports, the two were remanded in custody for seven days after the hearing. The suspects include Shamnaz’s younger brother and an alleged sorcerer.

According to the AFP news agency, traditional ceremonies intended to bring good luck or harm to opponents are believed to be widely practiced across the island. According to news website Mihaaru, following an extensive police investigation, in April 2023, three neighbors in Manadhoo murdered a 62-year-old woman after she was accused of practicing black magic.

Police said there was no evidence that the victim was involved in witchcraft.

In 2012, police intervened at an opposition rally, claiming that organizers had thrown a “cursed rooster” at officers raiding their offices.

Although witchcraft is not a crime in the Maldives, under Islamic law it can result in a six-month prison sentence President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu. Photo: Reuters Abhijeet Kumar New Delhi

Although witchcraft is not a crime in the Maldives, under Islamic law it can result in a six-month prison sentence

President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu. Photo: Reuters

Abhijeet Kumar New Delhi