Fathimath Shammaz Ali Saleem, the environment minister of Maldives, was arrested for allegedly performing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu. She was also suspended from her post following her arrest. Police have not officially confirmed the ‘black magic’ part but they said they were investigating a case involving Shamnaz and two other individuals.
Who is the minister and what we know so far?
Who is the minister and what we know so far?
- Fathimath Shammaz Ali Saleem as the environment minister had a crucial role in the international front on the issue of climate crisis.
- Sorcery or black magic is not a criminal offence in Maldives but it carries a six-month jail sentence under Islamic law.
- Shamnaz’s ex-husband Adam Rameez, a minister at the President’s office, has also been suspended.
- Shamnaz had previously served as a member of the Male’ City Council with President Muizzu, back when he was serving as the city’s mayor, Maldives’ Sun reported.
- Following Muizzu’s election to office last year, Shamnaz resigned from the council, and got appointed as a state minister at Muliaage, the official residence of the president. She was later transferred to the Environment Ministry.
