News Desk
On the day Fathimath Shamnaaz Ali Saleem should have been celebrating her 40th birthday, she found herself accused of a crime that seems plucked from another era: sorcery.
The former State Minister at the Ministry of Environment, and wife of President’s office Minister Adam Rameez, was arrested on suspicion of using witchcraft to curry favor with President Mohammed Muizzu. It’s an allegation that has stirred intense discussion in social media and political circles.
Shamnaaz’s career in public service has been closely tied to President Muizzu’s rise to power. She previously worked at the Male’ City Council when Muizzu served as Mayor. Later, she held a senior position at the Presidential Palace, Muliaage, before being transferred to the Environment Ministry.
The case has raised eyebrows among public, with some privately expressing surprise at investigating allegations of sorcery in modern times. One officer, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case, noted the unusual nature of the charges in today’s context.
The arrest followed a raid on the couple’s residence, where police reportedly seized items. The relevance of these items to the case remains unclear.
As news of her arrest spread, Shamnaaz’s world unraveled with dizzying speed. Her husband, Rameez, swiftly divorced her. By day’s end, she had lost her ministerial position, her marriage, and her freedom.
Rameez, once considered one of President Muizzu’s closest allies, now finds himself suspended and under investigation. The nature of this probe remains undisclosed, leaving many to wonder about the true extent of the scandal.
The case has captivated the island nation, with citizens debating the merits of the charges on social media and in coffee shops. Some see it as a necessary step against corruption, while others question the use of archaic laws in modern governance.
