The Maldives, a tropical archipelago with mostly Muslim population located southwest of India, a world famous tourist paradise known for their sandy beaches and luxury resorts, has just staked another claim to fame, although a rather unusual one – black magic spell-casting government officials.

The Maldives’ state minister for environment, climate change, and energy, Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, has been taken into custody and imprisoned due to allegations of practicing witchcraft and casting black magic spells against the country’s president Mohamed Muizzu.

Muizzu has become the President of the Maldives in 2023, after emerging victorious in the last year’s election, and defeating the incumbent Ibrahim Solih. Subsequently, the Maldives’ ties with India have worsened due to allegations of Muizzu showing preference towards China.

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Mali police officials announced today that Saleem was detained, alongside two individuals believed to be her accomplices. A magistrate has ruled to place her under arrest for a week, while further investigations into alleged ‘witchcraft’ continues.

The charges against Shamnaz were not immediately disclosed by the authorities, who also refused to verify or refute the media’s claims regarding the involvement of “black magic” targeting President Mohamed Muizzu.

Although the sorcery is not officially considered a criminal offense in the Maldives, the individuals convicted of ‘witchcraft’ can face a six-month imprisonment under Islamic law (Sharia).

Apparently that does not stop some locals to continue engage in “traditional ceremonies” with the intention of bestowing blessings upon friends and casting curses upon the enemies.

Such activities go against the grain with other residents and sometimes end rather tragically.

In 2023, a 62-year-old woman was fatally stabbed by three neighbors on the island of Manadhoo, following accusations of engaging in “black magic.” The incident was recently brought to light by an independent news portal, following an extensive police inquiry that failed to uncover any proof of the victim practicing sorcery.

In the midst of the 2011-12 political turmoil, law enforcement authorities dispersed a gathering held by the followers of deposed President Mohamed Nasheed, alleging that the event coordinators had hurled a “cursed rooster” at officers during a raid on their premises.