Maldives Police Arrest Climate Minister Over Alleged 'Black Magic' Spell on President

The Maldives' State Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Energy, Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, was arrested on Sunday along with two others in the capital city of Male, according to police officials. While the authorities have remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind her arrest, local media outlets have reported that she is accused of performing "black magic" on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu .

Saleem, who has been remanded in custody for a week pending investigations, holds a critical position in the Maldivian government, particularly in the context of the country's vulnerability to climate change. The Maldives, an archipelago of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, with the United Nations warning that rising sea levels could make it virtually uninhabitable by the end of the century .

The allegations of "black magic" against Saleem are not unprecedented in the Maldives, where traditional ceremonies and beliefs in sorcery are widespread. In fact, sorcery is not a criminal offense under the country's penal code, but it does carry a six-month jail sentence under Islamic law .

Why it Matters : The arrest of Saleem has significant implications for the Maldives, particularly in the context of climate change. As the country's environment minister, she played a crucial role in shaping the nation's response to the climate crisis. Her arrest, and the allegations surrounding it, raise questions about the stability of the government and its ability to address the pressing issue of climate change.

The incident also highlights the prevalence of superstition and beliefs in sorcery in the Maldives. In April 2023, a 62-year-old woman was stabbed to death by three neighbors on Manadhoo after she was accused of conducting black magic ceremonies . The police investigation failed to find any evidence that the murder victim had performed sorcery, underscoring the dangers of such beliefs.

In 2012, police cracked down on an opposition political rally after accusing organizers of throwing a "cursed rooster" at officers raiding their offices . The incident highlights the blurred lines between politics and superstition in the Maldives.

Key Takeaways :

• Maldives' Environment Minister Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem arrested amid "black magic" allegations against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
• The country's vulnerability to climate change makes Saleem's position critical in shaping the nation's response to the crisis.
• Beliefs in sorcery and traditional ceremonies are widespread in the Maldives, with sorcery carrying a six-month jail sentence under Islamic law.
• The incident raises questions about the stability of the government and its ability to address climate change.
• The Maldives' struggles with superstition and beliefs in sorcery have led to violent incidents, including a murder in April 2023.