Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, detained as Maldives’ climate change minister for alleged “black magic” on President Mohamed Muizzu, was released Saturday, according to police.
Arrested last month in Male with two others, Shamnaz stepped down from her position shortly thereafter. She faced accusations from local media of using sorcery to gain favour with Muizzu’s administration. Although police twice sought to extend her detention, they released her Saturday, citing no further grounds for holding her despite the ongoing investigation.
“A police official, requesting anonymity, stated the investigation is still pending,” reported AFP from Male.
The allegations against Shamnaz remain unconfirmed by police and authorities, and the criminal court has conducted hearings in secrecy. Her role was pivotal in a country grappling with climate threats, underscored by UN warnings that rising sea levels could render it uninhabitable by the end of the century.
While not criminal under Maldivian law, sorcery carries a six-month sentence under Islamic law. Traditional ceremonies are common across the archipelago, with beliefs in gaining favours and cursing foes.
Last year, a 62-year-old woman was fatally stabbed in Manadhoo by neighbours after accusations of her engaging in black magic, following an extensive police investigation. In 2012, an opposition rally faced police crackdowns after claims of deploying a “cursed rooster” during a raid.
