Maldives Climate Minister Arrested in 'Black Magic' Scandal

Police in the Maldives have arrested Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, the state minister for environment, climate change, and energy, along with two others in the capital city of Male. The arrest, announced on Thursday by authorities, follows reports from local media suggesting she was accused of engaging in "black magic" against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Shamnaz has been remanded in custody for a week pending further investigations, according to police, who did not provide specific reasons for her arrest. The Sun, a Maldivian media outlet, reported allegations linking Shamnaz to acts of sorcery directed at the president, although police have neither confirmed nor denied these claims.

The role of environment minister is crucial in the Maldives, a nation severely threatened by the effects of climate change, particularly rising sea levels that could render it uninhabitable by the end of the century, according to UN experts.

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While sorcery is not explicitly criminalized under the Maldivian penal code, it carries a potential six-month jail sentence under Islamic law, reflecting local cultural beliefs and practices. Traditional ceremonies involving magic and rituals are widespread across the archipelago, often perceived as ways to gain favor or cast curses on adversaries.

The case has drawn attention to previous incidents involving accusations of sorcery in the Maldives. Earlier reports highlighted a tragic incident in April 2023 on the island of Manadhoo, where a 62-year-old woman was fatally stabbed by three neighbors who accused her of conducting black magic ceremonies. Despite a lengthy police investigation, authorities found no evidence to support the accusations against the victim.

In another notable incident in 2012, Maldivian police cracked down on an opposition political rally, citing accusations that organizers had thrown a "cursed rooster" at officers during a raid on their offices.

The arrest of Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem has sparked discussions within the Maldives about the intersection of traditional beliefs, cultural practices, and modern governance, underscoring ongoing societal tensions surrounding accusations of sorcery and witchcraft.

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