Authorities in the Maldives have arrested Environment Minister Fatima Shimanz and dismissed her from her position on suspicions of practicing "black magic" against President Mohamed Muizzu in collaboration with her brothers. While the accusations against Minister Shimanz have yet to be substantiated, police informed local media that she was detained last Sunday in the capital, Male, along with two other individuals.
It is noteworthy that "practicing magic" is not a criminal offense in the Maldives, but it could lead to a prison sentence of up to six months under Islamic law. According to preliminary investigations, the minister allegedly performed "black magic" on the nation's president and concealed it somewhere to get closer to him and advance her political career. Shimanz's brother and another suspect were arrested on June 23 and were held for six days after appearing in court. Among the suspects is Shimanz's younger brother and the alleged "sorcerer." The former husband of Shimanz, Adam Ramiz, who previously worked closely with President Muizzu, has also been detained. The arrested minister is a mother of three children, including a baby less than a year old.
