Minister gets detained over practicing ‘witchcraft’
Date
6/30/2024 8:20:13 AM
(MENAFN) In a surprising turn of events, the state secretary for environment, climate change, and energy of the Maldives has been arrested, reportedly under suspicion of practicing sorcery against the country's president. Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem's detention, along with two others suspected of involvement, was announced by Male's police, who have secured a court order to detain her for a week pending further investigation.
Details surrounding the charges against Shamnaz remain unclear, with authorities neither confirming nor denying media speculations linking the arrest to accusations of "black magic" aimed at President Mohamed Muizzu. While sorcery itself isn't categorized as a criminal offense under Maldivian law, individuals found guilty of such practices can face up to six months' imprisonment under Sharia law, which coexists alongside the country's legal framework.
The Maldives, renowned for its picturesque islands, sandy beaches, and luxury resorts attracting tourists globally, maintains a predominantly Muslim population. Despite the absence of legal provisions criminalizing sorcery, traditional ceremonies and beliefs are prevalent among locals, involving rituals to bless allies and, occasionally, to curse adversaries.
In a notable incident last year, a tragic case unfolded on the island of Manadhoo, where a 62-year-old woman was fatally stabbed by neighbors who accused her of practicing black magic. This incident, initially unreported until recently, underscores the sensitive cultural and legal dynamics surrounding accusations of sorcery in the Maldives.
President Mohamed Muizzu's electoral victory in 2023 marked a shift in the Maldives' political landscape, impacting its relations with neighboring India amid allegations of leaning towards China. The arrest of Shamnaz, amid these broader geopolitical tensions, has sparked debate and reflection on the intersection of cultural traditions, legal norms, and contemporary governance in the island nation.
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