MALE: In a surprising turn of events, a Maldives minister has been arrested on allegations of performing “black magic” on President Mohamed Muizzu.
Maldives Police on Thursday (June 27) announced that the country’s minister for environment, climate change and energy, Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, along with two others, were detained on Sunday (June 23) in the capital city of Male.
Shamnaz has been remanded in custody for a week as investigations proceed.
Reports from local media outlet Sun suggested that the arrest was linked to accusations of “black magic” targeting President Muizzu.
However, police have neither confirmed nor denied these specific allegations.
While sorcery is not a criminal offense under the Maldives’ penal code, it can incur a six-month jail sentence under Islamic law.
Traditional ceremonies involving sorcery are widely practiced across the islands, where many believe such rituals can bring favours or curses.