Maldives State Minister at the Environment Ministry, Fathimath Shammaz Ali Saleem, along with her ex-husband Adam Rameez and two others, was on Thursday (June 27) arrested for allegedly performing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu.

Rameez was serving as a minister at the President's Office.

"Shamnaz, alongside two other individuals, was arrested on Sunday. All three of them have been remanded in custody for seven days. She was suspended from her post on Wednesday as per the Environment Ministry," reported news portal&nbsp;Maldives' Sun, further stating that the government has also suspended Rameez along with Shamnaz.

Both Shamnaz and Rameez had earlier worked as members of the Male City Council with Muizzu when he held the position of the city's mayor.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-president-mohamed-muizzu-terms-his-india-visit-a-success-730801">Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu terms his India visit a success</a>

"Rameez, during his time at Male City Council, was known as a close aide of Muizzu, who was the mayor at that time,"&nbsp;reported Maldives' Sun. 
&nbsp; 
"However, he has been absent from the public light in the past five months or so," it added.

No comment has been made by either the Maldives government or the President's office on the issue till now.

The police did not officially confirm that they were arrested for practising&nbsp;'black magic'&nbsp;but accepted that they were investigating a case which involved Shamnaz and two others.

<h2>Who is Shammaz Ali Saleem?</h2>

Fathimath Shammaz Ali Saleem is Maldives State Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Energy in Maldives. She is currently in custody for seven days.

As reported by Maldives-based Sun, Shamnaz was earlier listed as a political appointee on the website of the environment ministry and now has been shifted to the list of former political appointees.

As the environment minister, Shammaz had played an important role in the issue of climate crisis on the international front.

Earlier,&nbsp;Shamnaz had served as a member of the City Council in Male with President Muizzu, when he was serving as the mayor of the city, Maldives' Sun reported.

Watch:&nbsp;Maldives' Muizzu in Delhi, Male probes deals with India

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After Muizzu was elected to the president's office last year, Shamnaz resigned from the council and was appointed as a state minister at Muliaage, which is the president's official residence. Later, she was transferred to the Environment Ministry.

Black magic or sorcery is not a criminal offence in Maldives, however, it has a six-month prison sentence under Islamic law.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Maldives State Minister at the Environment Ministry, Fathimath Shammaz Ali Saleem, along with her ex-husband Adam Rameez and two others, was on Thursday (June 27) arrested for allegedly performing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu.

Maldives State Minister at the Environment Ministry, Fathimath Shammaz Ali Saleem, along with her ex-husband Adam Rameez and two others, was on Thursday (June 27) arrested for allegedly performing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu. Rameez was serving as a minister at the President's Office. "Shamnaz, alongside two other individuals, was arrested on Sunday. All three of them have been remanded in custody for seven days. She was suspended from her post on Wednesday as per the Environment Ministry," reported news portal Maldives' Sun, further stating that the government has also suspended Rameez along with Shamnaz. Both Shamnaz and Rameez had earlier worked as members of the Male City Council with Muizzu when he held the position of the city's mayor. Also Read: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu terms his India visit a success "Rameez, during his time at Male City Council, was known as a close aide of Muizzu, who was the mayor at that time," reported Maldives' Sun. "However, he has been absent from the public light in the past five months or so," it added. No comment has been made by either the Maldives government or the President's office on the issue till now. The police did not officially confirm that they were arrested for practising 'black magic' but accepted that they were investigating a case which involved Shamnaz and two others. Who is Shammaz Ali Saleem? Fathimath Shammaz Ali Saleem is Maldives State Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Energy in Maldives. She is currently in custody for seven days. As reported by Maldives-based Sun, Shamnaz was earlier listed as a political appointee on the website of the environment ministry and now has been shifted to the list of former political appointees. As the environment minister, Shammaz had played an important role in the issue of climate crisis on the international front. Earlier, Shamnaz had served as a member of the City Council in Male with President Muizzu, when he was serving as the mayor of the city, Maldives' Sun reported. Watch: Maldives' Muizzu in Delhi, Male probes deals with India After Muizzu was elected to the president's office last year, Shamnaz resigned from the council and was appointed as a state minister at Muliaage, which is the president's official residence. Later, she was transferred to the Environment Ministry. Black magic or sorcery is not a criminal offence in Maldives, however, it has a six-month prison sentence under Islamic law. (With inputs from agencies)

This Maldivian minister got arrested for performing 'black magic' on President Muizzu

The Maldives on Sunday (June 2) declared it would amend a law to effectively ban the entry of Israeli nationals into the South Asian nation.

The country's Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan said that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu took the decision in a cabinet meeting to ban Israel's passport in the country.

This comes as Muizzu has appointed a special envoy to identify Palestine's requests from the Maldives regarding the ongoing war in Gaza.

The archipelago nation also said it was setting up a fundraising campaign to help Palestinian citizens with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi0gPbWnb2GAxX4xjgGHSAbCuMQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-foreign-minister-zameer-mindful-on-concerns-over-china-vessel-visit-seeks-debt-relief-from-india-719884" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-foreign-minister-zameer-mindful-on-concerns-over-china-vessel-visit-seeks-debt-relief-from-india-719884&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi0gPbWnb2GAxX4xjgGHSAbCuMQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Maldives Foreign Minister Zameer mindful of concerns over China vessel visit; seeks debt relief from India</a>

"President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, following a recommendation from the Cabinet, has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports. The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsaan, announced the decision at a news conference held at the President's Office this afternoon," a statement by the Maldives President's office read.

As per sources, the government process to make necessary amendments to the law has started.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the Israeli citizens who are currently in the Maldives to try leaving the country after the annoucement.&nbsp;

"If Israelis who are currently in the Maldives encounter trouble, it will be difficult for us to assist them," stated the ministry. 
&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi0gPbWnb2GAxX4xjgGHSAbCuMQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-has-played-a-catalyst-role-in-maldives-achievement-says-maldives-fm-moosa-zameer-719812" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-has-played-a-catalyst-role-in-maldives-achievement-says-maldives-fm-moosa-zameer-719812&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi0gPbWnb2GAxX4xjgGHSAbCuMQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">India has played a catalyst role in Maldives' achievement, says Maldives FM Moosa Zameer</a>

Earlier, Male had condemned Israeli ground offensive and airstrikes in the southern Gazan city of Rafah.

"Such deliberate aggression and genocidal acts targeted against civilians are in gross violation of international humanitarian law," the Maldives Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It is to be noted that nearly 11,000 Israelis had visited Maldives last year, 0.6 per cent of the total foreign arrivals.&nbsp;

In October last year, Israel had warned its nationals to avoid travelling to the Maldives after it launched the war in Gaza.&nbsp;

Maldives officially backs the idea of the&nbsp;establishment of an independent and sovereign state based on the pre‑1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Maldives on Sunday (June 2) declared it would amend a law to effectively ban the entry of Israeli nationals into the South Asian nation. The country's Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan said that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu took the decision in a cabinet meeting to ban Israel's passport in the country.

The Maldives on Sunday (June 2) declared it would amend a law to effectively ban the entry of Israeli nationals into the South Asian nation. The country's Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan said that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu took the decision in a cabinet meeting to ban Israel's passport in the country. This comes as Muizzu has appointed a special envoy to identify Palestine's requests from the Maldives regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. The archipelago nation also said it was setting up a fundraising campaign to help Palestinian citizens with the help of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Also read: Maldives Foreign Minister Zameer mindful of concerns over China vessel visit; seeks debt relief from India "President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, following a recommendation from the Cabinet, has resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports. The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsaan, announced the decision at a news conference held at the President's Office this afternoon," a statement by the Maldives President's office read. As per sources, the government process to make necessary amendments to the law has started. Meanwhile, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the Israeli citizens who are currently in the Maldives to try leaving the country after the annoucement. "If Israelis who are currently in the Maldives encounter trouble, it will be difficult for us to assist them," stated the ministry. Also read: India has played a catalyst role in Maldives' achievement, says Maldives FM Moosa Zameer Earlier, Male had condemned Israeli ground offensive and airstrikes in the southern Gazan city of Rafah. "Such deliberate aggression and genocidal acts targeted against civilians are in gross violation of international humanitarian law," the Maldives Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It is to be noted that nearly 11,000 Israelis had visited Maldives last year, 0.6 per cent of the total foreign arrivals. In October last year, Israel had warned its nationals to avoid travelling to the Maldives after it launched the war in Gaza. Maldives officially backs the idea of the establishment of an independent and sovereign state based on the pre‑1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives to ban entry of Israeli nationals, President Muizzu gives approval to plan

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) has emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections held Sunday (Apr 21). As per local media, the ruling PNC has won at least 66 out of 93 seats, crossing the majority mark of 47. However, full results are expected to be declared by Monday morning (Apr 22).

"The ruling PPM/PNC coalition also won the majority of seats in capital Male' city in today's [Sunday] parliamentary election," reported ‘Edition’ news agency.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives

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The opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has won at least 11 seats whereas Independents emerged victorious on 6 seats.

As per the information released by the Elections Commission (EC), 207,693 people cast their ballots as of 5:00 pm local time, making for a voter turnout of 72.96 per cent.

<h2>Anti-India policy gets people’s approval</h2>

The elections were seen as the litmus test for Muizzu's anti-India policy and it seems the president’s anti-India stance has got thumbs up from the electorate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi26rPE79OFAxXmRmcHHWsbBy8QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-parliamentary-elections-first-major-test-for-muizzus-anti-india-policy-713377" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-parliamentary-elections-first-major-test-for-muizzus-anti-india-policy-713377&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi26rPE79OFAxXmRmcHHWsbBy8QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Maldives parliamentary elections: First major test for Muizzu's anti-India policy</a>

Muizzu, who rose to power last November, ran an ‘India out’ campaign in months leading up to the poll, raising concerns in New Delhi. In the last six months, Muizzu has not only expelled Indian troops deployed in the nation but also cemented military ties with China.

Under his watch, China and the Maldives also signed a defence cooperation agreement and several other infrastructure development projects.

<h2>Why Muizzu's victory is concerning for India?</h2>

China is fast expanding its footprints in the Indian Ocean Region through its 'debt trap' diplomacy and ‘String of Pearls' approach, a strategic initiative to create a network of military and commercial establishments in countries falling in the Indian Ocean.

With PNC in a dominant position in the People’s Majlis, it would be easier for Muizzu&nbsp;to implement more hostile policies towards India and appease China.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) has emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections held Sunday (Apr 21). As per local media, the ruling PNC has won at least 66 out of 93 seats, crossing the majority mark of 47.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) has emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections held Sunday (Apr 21). As per local media, the ruling PNC has won at least 66 out of 93 seats, crossing the majority mark of 47. However, full results are expected to be declared by Monday morning (Apr 22). "The ruling PPM/PNC coalition also won the majority of seats in capital Male' city in today's [Sunday] parliamentary election," reported ‘Edition’ news agency. Watch: Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives × The opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has won at least 11 seats whereas Independents emerged victorious on 6 seats. As per the information released by the Elections Commission (EC), 207,693 people cast their ballots as of 5:00 pm local time, making for a voter turnout of 72.96 per cent. Anti-India policy gets people’s approval The elections were seen as the litmus test for Muizzu's anti-India policy and it seems the president’s anti-India stance has got thumbs up from the electorate. Also read: Maldives parliamentary elections: First major test for Muizzu's anti-India policy Muizzu, who rose to power last November, ran an ‘India out’ campaign in months leading up to the poll, raising concerns in New Delhi. In the last six months, Muizzu has not only expelled Indian troops deployed in the nation but also cemented military ties with China. Under his watch, China and the Maldives also signed a defence cooperation agreement and several other infrastructure development projects. Why Muizzu's victory is concerning for India? China is fast expanding its footprints in the Indian Ocean Region through its 'debt trap' diplomacy and ‘String of Pearls' approach, a strategic initiative to create a network of military and commercial establishments in countries falling in the Indian Ocean. With PNC in a dominant position in the People’s Majlis, it would be easier for Muizzu to implement more hostile policies towards India and appease China. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives parliamentary election: President Muizzu’s PNC party bags two-thirds majority

The newly-elected leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has publicly refuted claims made by President Muizzu regarding the presence of Indian Military personnel in Maldives.

Maldives: Ex-Minister debunks Indian military presence claims, casts doubt on government’s honesty

Leader of Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP), Qasim Ibrahim has appealed to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to formally apologise to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the citizens of the country.

This comes as the main opposition of Maldives, MDP, which has a majority in the Maldivian Parliament, said that it has been planning to submit a motion for the impeachment of the president.&nbsp;

This decision was followed by clashes which broke out between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers in the House following differences over the approval of four members of his cabinet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Maldives government files case over rules changes simplifying opposition’s impeachment bid">Maldives government files case over rules changes simplifying opposition’s impeachment bid</a>

"Regarding any country, especially a neighbouring one, we shouldn't speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the 'India Out'&nbsp;campaign. Now, Yameen (former president Abdulla Yameen) is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree," Ibrahim said, as reported by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

"The decree should not be nullified, as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldn't be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologise to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Maldives' decree over 'India Out' campaign</h2>

Meanwhile, last year, a decree was signed by the then-Maldives President Ibrahim Solih which stated that the opposition's 'India Out' campaign is a "threat to national security".&nbsp;

This permits security agencies to pull down campaign banners and provide constitutional cover for taking action against opposition parties.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar speaks on Maldives' 'India out' campaign

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The opposition, headed by former president Abdulla Yameen of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), had spearheaded an 'India Out' campaign last year, propagating that the stationing of the Indian military officers in the Indian Ocean island nation is a violation of the sovereignty of Maldives, a claim which has not been proven.&nbsp;

The implicit target of the campaign was then-Maldivian President Solih and the Maldivian Democratic Party, who were seen as being close to India.

(With inputs from agencies)

Leader of Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP), Qasim Ibrahim has appealed to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to formally apologise to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the citizens of the country.

Leader of Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP), Qasim Ibrahim has appealed to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to formally apologise to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the citizens of the country. This comes as the main opposition of Maldives, MDP, which has a majority in the Maldivian Parliament, said that it has been planning to submit a motion for the impeachment of the president. This decision was followed by clashes which broke out between pro-government MPs and opposition lawmakers in the House following differences over the approval of four members of his cabinet. Also read: Maldives government files case over rules changes simplifying opposition’s impeachment bid "Regarding any country, especially a neighbouring one, we shouldn't speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the 'India Out' campaign. Now, Yameen (former president Abdulla Yameen) is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree," Ibrahim said, as reported by news agency ANI. "The decree should not be nullified, as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldn't be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologise to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip," he said. Maldives' decree over 'India Out' campaign Meanwhile, last year, a decree was signed by the then-Maldives President Ibrahim Solih which stated that the opposition's 'India Out' campaign is a "threat to national security". This permits security agencies to pull down campaign banners and provide constitutional cover for taking action against opposition parties. Watch: Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar speaks on Maldives' 'India out' campaign The opposition, headed by former president Abdulla Yameen of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), had spearheaded an 'India Out' campaign last year, propagating that the stationing of the Indian military officers in the Indian Ocean island nation is a violation of the sovereignty of Maldives, a claim which has not been proven. The implicit target of the campaign was then-Maldivian President Solih and the Maldivian Democratic Party, who were seen as being close to India. (With inputs from agencies)

'Formally apologise to Indian PM Modi': Opposition asks Maldives President Muizzu