Maldives arrested the Minister for the Environment, her sister and a Black Magic practitioner last week (June 23rd) based on a ‘police intelligence’ report. Allegedly, the MInister for the Environment had engaged in Black Magic against the country’s President, Mohamed Muizzu.
Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem (Minster for the Environment) and her sister Hawwa Sana Saleem had their period of detention extended on Monday for a week. The ex-husband of the Minister was also arrested but has reportedly fled the country since.
Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem
Police on Sunday tried to obtain phone records for the two sisters, seized a lock of hair from Sana’s room and a key tag(a wooden doll) that was distributed during the an Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) tournament. A necklace belonging to the Minister was also seized. Apparently, the black magic focused on getting ‘closer’ to the President.
In a twist, the husband was a Minister at the President’s office and it’s unclear if the alleged ritual was directed at the ex-husband or the President. Both were suspended from duties and no official comment has been made by the Government since.
Local reports said the two sisters were arrested for “sorcery and black magic to split up a couple and to win over love and establish close relations with persons.”
The Maldives considers ‘fandita’ or ‘sihuru’ (Black Magic) as a serious offence, punishable by up to six months in prison. Despite Islam being the state religion and to be a citizen, a person has to be a Muslim, ancient rituals are still widespread throughout the country.
Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, ex-president of the country from 2013-2018 was accused of using rituals against his oppenents in the Presidential elections in 2016. Coconuts and eggs (items often used in traditional magic in the area) were buried in places such as a graveyard in Mali (the capital of Maldives) which were subsequently discovered by Police.
Even though there is a history of Hinduism and Buddhism in the country, the state religion is Islam and strict rules are observed about citizenship, attire and visitors. The country recently banned Jewish visitors and the wearing of bikinis on beaches is forbidden.