Male, June 26 (EFE).- The Maldives Police has arrested a minister of the country’s government for allegedly doing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu, the police informed EFE Wednesday.
Fathimath Shamnaz Ali, a state minister at the Environment Ministry, was taken to a court and remanded for seven days, according to sources privy to the investigation.
Police spokesperson Ahmed Shifan also confirmed to EFE the arrest of Shamnaz on Tuesday along with two other people.
Earlier, the police raided Shamnaz’s residence and confiscated several items that sources say may have been used to perform black magic.
Before being relocated to the Environment Ministry in April, Shamnaz worked as a state minister of the presidential palace for Muizzu, elected in September last year.
Previously she worked alongside Muizzu at Male’ City Council, and served as councilor for the city while Muizzu was the mayor.
Shamnaz’s ex-husband Adam Rameez also served with Muizzu in the city council, and is a minister at the President’s Office.
Black magic, known locally as fandita or sihuru, is a widespread belief in the Maldives despite being considered a serious offense under Islamic law.
In May, police arrested a 60 year old man for allegedly doing black magic on a ruling party member running for the parliamentary election.
In December, 2015, the Islamic Ministry issued a public statement warning that “black magic” was becoming rampant in the society and to stay away from such practices. EFE
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