In a startling turn of events, the Maldives Police have apprehended two government ministers, Shamnaz Saleem and Adam Rameez, charging them with engaging in black magic against President Mohamed Muizzu. The arrests, initially reported by local media on Thursday, sent shockwaves through the nation.
Saleem, formerly a State Minister within the Environment Ministry, and Rameez, who served as a Minister within the President's Office, were detained alongside two other individuals. While the police confirmed the arrests, they remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind the action.
Saleem's arrest occurred on Sunday alongside two others, with all three remanded into custody for a seven-day period. The Environment Ministry announced Saleem's suspension on Wednesday, while Rameez faced suspension on Thursday.
Coincidentally, both Saleem and Rameez had previously collaborated with President Muizzu as members of the Male City Council during his tenure as mayor. Following his assumption of the presidency in November of last year, Saleem secured a position as State Minister first at Muliaage, the official presidential residence. She was subsequently transferred to the Environment Ministry.
During his time with the Male City Council, Rameez was recognized as a close associate of Muizzu, who served as mayor. However, Rameez has largely remained out of the public eye for the past five months.
Neither the Maldives government nor the President's office has issued any official statement regarding the matter, leaving the public and media speculating about the circumstances surrounding the arrests.
