Maldives, 28 June 2024- In a surprising turn of events, two ministers in the Maldives have been arrested for allegedly performing 'black magic' on President Mohamed Muizzu. The arrests include Shamnaz Salim, the State Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Energy, and her ex-husband, Adam Ramiz, a former minister in the President's Office.

The arrests were reported by NDTV on Thursday, with AFP news agency confirming the detention of the female minister, Shamnaz Salim. Two additional individuals were also apprehended alongside the ministers.

Adam Ramiz, known to be a close associate of President Muizzu during his tenure on the Male City Council, was also detained. Local media outlet *The Sun* reported on the arrests, though Maldivian police have yet to confirm or deny the specifics.

According to Maldivian police, Fatimat Shamnaz was arrested along with two others on Sunday. Officials have stated that she has been taken into custody for a week for investigation, but no specific reasons or explanations for the detention have been provided.

Practicing witchcraft is not classified as a criminal offense under the Maldives' existing penal code. However, such activities can result in a six-month prison sentence under Islamic law in the Muslim-majority nation. The Maldivian archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, is known for its diverse traditional customs, including beliefs in the power of black magic to curse opponents.

In a similar incident in April 2023, a 62-year-old woman was fatally stabbed by three neighbors in Manadhu, accused of practicing black magic. Despite an extensive police investigation, no evidence was found to substantiate the claims. 

Furthermore, in 2012, police intervened in an opposition political rally where participants were accused of throwing 'cursed cocks' at officers.

The arrests of Shamnaz Salim and Adam Ramiz highlight the ongoing tensions and superstitions that still influence Maldivian society. The investigation continues, and the nation watches closely as the authorities delve deeper into the accusations of black magic against their political figures.