Black magic over Maldivian president? Bizarre incident leads to arrest of two ministers

The Maldives has been rocked by allegations of black magic involving high-ranking officials. On June 23, 2024, the Maldivian police arrested two ministers, Fathima Shamnaz Ali Saleem and Adam Rameez, and two others for allegedly using black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu. This incident has caused considerable commotion in the island nation known for its tranquil beaches and political stability.

Among those arrested were Fathima Shamnaz Ali Saleem, Minister of State for Environment, and her ex-husband Adam Rameez, Minister in the President’s Office. The arrests followed an investigation launched after suspicions arose about their activities. Police have not disclosed specific details about the nature of black magic or the evidence that led to the arrests, but the case has attracted widespread attention.

Fathima Shamnaz Ali Saleem and her husband Adam Rameez were both state ministers and have since been suspended and arrested. Source: X

Shamnaz Saleem and Adam Rameez were both prominent figures in Maldivian politics. Shamnaz was formerly a member of the Male Municipal Council when President Muizzu was Mayor of Male. Following Muizzu’s election as President in November 2023, Shamnaz was appointed Minister of State at Muliaage, the President’s official residence, before being transferred to the Ministry of Environment. Adam Rameez, known to be a close confidant of Muizzu, had disappeared from public view for the past five months.

The arrests came after a series of events that raised suspicions. On June 23, police arrested Shamnaz, Rameez and two others, whose identities were not disclosed. They were remanded in custody for seven days while investigations continued. On June 27, Shamnaz was suspended from her post as Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment. On the same day, Rameez was also suspended from his post in the President’s Office.

The allegations of black magic have caused a mixture of shock and disbelief among the Maldivian public. Although black magic is part of folklore in many cultures, it is rarely associated with modern political scandals. The case raises questions about the influence of traditional beliefs on contemporary politics and the extent to which they can influence governance.

President Mohamed Muizzu has not made any official statement on the arrests or the allegations. The government and the President’s office have remained silent, leaving the public and the media to speculate on the consequences of this scandal. The lack of official communication has only fuelled rumors and speculation, increasing the uncertainty surrounding the case.

The Maldives, a country heavily dependent on tourism, is now under a very different kind of scrutiny. The international community is closely following the investigation. The outcome of this case could have a significant impact on the Maldives’ political landscape and its image on the world stage.

As investigations continue, the Maldivian authorities are under pressure to provide clarity and transparency. The arrests of Shamnaz Saleem and Adam Rameez have already led to their suspension from official positions, but the further impact of the allegations remains to be seen.