Those detained included Fathima Shamnaz Ali Saleem, a state minister in the Ministry of Environment, and her ex-husband Adam Rameez, a minister in the Presidential Office. The arrests followed an investigation that began after suspicions arose about their activities. Police did not provide details about the nature of the black magic or the evidence that led to the arrests, but the case has attracted widespread attention.
Fathima Shamnaz Ali Saleem and her husband Adam Rameez, both state ministers, have since been suspended and arrested. Source: X
Shamnaz Saleem and Adam Rameez were prominent figures in Maldivian politics. Shamnaz served on the Male City Council alongside Mayor Muizzu when he was the mayor of Male. Following Muizzu’s election as president in November 2023, Shamnaz was appointed minister of state at Muliaage, the official residence of the president, before being transferred to the Ministry of Environment. Adam Rameez, who is known to be Muizzu’s close aide, has not been in the public eye for the last five months.
The arrests followed a series of suspicious events. On June 23, police detained Shamnaz, Rameez and two others, whose identities have not been disclosed. They were held for seven days while the investigation continues. On June 27, Shamnaz was suspended from her position as a minister of state in the Ministry of Environment. On the same day, Rameez was also suspended from his position in the Presidential Office.
Allegations of black magic have created both shock and disbelief among the Maldivian people. Although black magic is part of folklore in many cultures, it is rarely associated with modern political scandals. The case has raised questions about the influence of traditional beliefs in contemporary politics and the extent to which they can influence governance.
President Mohamed Muizzu has made no official statement on the arrests or allegations. The government and the Presidential Office have remained silent, allowing the public and media to speculate on the impact of this scandal. The lack of official communication has only fueled rumors and conjecture, and increased the uncertainty surrounding the case.
The Maldives, a country heavily dependent on tourism, is now facing a different level of scrutiny. The international community is closely monitoring the progress of the investigation. The outcome of this case could have major implications for the Maldives’ political landscape and image on the global stage.
As the investigation continues, Maldivian authorities are under pressure to provide openness and transparency. The arrests of Shamnaz Saleem and Adam Rameez led to their suspension from official duties, but the wider implications of the allegations are yet to be seen.
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