The State Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Energy in the Maldives, Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, has been released following her arrest on allegations of performing "black magic" on the country's president. Saleem, who was detained last month, was freed on Saturday, according to police sources.

Saleem, along with her sister and another individual, was arrested in the capital city of Male and subsequently stepped down from her ministerial position. Local media reported that she was accused of using sorcery to gain favor with President Mohamed Muizzu's new administration.

Although police requested to extend her detention twice, they decided there was no further reason to hold her. A police official, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, "The investigation is still pending."

The exact nature of the allegations remains unconfirmed as police and authorities have not publicly disclosed details, and the criminal court has conducted hearings behind closed doors.

Saleem held a significant role in the Maldives, a nation severely impacted by climate change. UN environment experts have warned that rising sea levels could render the Maldives virtually uninhabitable by the end of this century.

While sorcery is not classified as a criminal offense under Maldivian law, it is punishable by a six-month jail term under Islamic law. Traditional ceremonies involving sorcery are commonly practiced across the archipelago, with people believing in their power to grant favors or curse adversaries.

The case has drawn attention due to previous incidents involving accusations of black magic. Last year, a 62-year-old woman was stabbed to death by three neighbors on the island of Manadhoo, following accusations of conducting black magic ceremonies. In 2012, police disrupted an opposition rally, claiming organizers had thrown a "cursed rooster" at officers during a raid.

The allegations against Saleem highlight the continued influence of traditional beliefs in Maldivian society, even as the nation grapples with pressing modern issues such as climate change and political stability.

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