Black magic suspects Shamnaz, sibling released

State Minister of Environment Shamnaz Saleem and her sister Sana Saleem, both suspected of casting black magic spell on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, have been released on Saturday.

Shamnaz was arrested for her suspected involvement in practicing black magic earlier on June 23, 2024.

Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shifan while speaking with 'Sun' said both the State Minister and her younger sibling have now been released.

While the two were arrested and remanded for seven days, their remand was later extended by the Criminal Court.

Shamnaz was suspended from her government post after her arrest.

She is the former wife of President's Office Minister Adam Rameez. While the two had recently divorced, Rameez himself had been suspended recently as well.

Before she was appointed as a State Minister, Shamnaz was the South-Henveiru member of Male' City Council during Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's mayoral tenure.

However, after Dr. Muizzu won the presidential election in 2023, she resigned from the council. She was later appointed as the State Minister of President's Official Palace, Muliaage.

She was appointed as the State Minister of Environment afterwards.