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

Maldivian minister Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem has been suspended after she was arrested along with her two siblings on suspicion of performing “black magic” on President Mohamed Muizzu, according to local media reports.

Saleem is the Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Energy in the Maldives. On June 23, Shamnaz and two other suspects were arrested and remanded in custody for seven days.

According to the Maldivian newspaper Sun, Shamnaz, who was once listed as a political appointee on the Ministry of Environment’s website, has been moved to the list of former political appointees.

“Police are investigating a case involving Shamnaz and two others,” police spokesman and deputy police commissioner Ahmed Shifan told Sun.

Notably, the Maldivian government has not yet issued an official statement on the situation. Shamnaz was previously a member of the Male Municipal Council when President Muizzu was the city’s mayor.

Following Muizzu’s election as president last year, Shamnaz resigned from the council, was appointed Minister of State in Muliaage and later transferred to the Ministry of Environment.

Their role is crucial for a country that is bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, with UN environmental experts warning that rising sea levels could render the country nearly uninhabitable by the end of the century.

The history of black magic in the Maldives

In April 2023, a 62-year-old woman was stabbed to death on Manadhoo by three neighbors who accused her of practicing black magic, news website Mihaaru reported. After a comprehensive investigation, police said they found no evidence to support the claim that the victim was involved in sorcery.

In another incident in 2012, police claimed that organizers of an opposition rally cracked down on them and threw a “cursed rooster” at officers searching their offices.

In the predominantly Muslim Maldives, sorcery is not a crime under the penal code. However, under Islamic law, it can be punished with a six-month prison sentence. Throughout the archipelago, people practice traditional ceremonies in which they believe they can gain favor and curse enemies.

(With contributions from agencies)