Police have today released from custody State Minister at Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Energy Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem and her sister Hawwa Sana Saleem, who were earlier arrested for sorcery.
Police have today released from custody State Minister at Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Energy Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem and her sister Hawwa Sana Saleem, who were earlier arrested for sorcery.
Shamnaz and two others were arrested on June 23 on charges of sorcery, with the police launching an investigation into the case. At the time, court placed all three in remand in custody for seven days.
On July 1, Hulhumale' Court extended the detention of Shamnaz and Sana by an additional seven days. However, the third individual arrested, Hussain Sameer of Haa Dhaalu Atoll Vaikaradhoo, was released at the time.
Police said today that Shamnaz and her sister had been released today at the end of their detention period. Police said they were released as it was decided there is no need to continue holding them in custody.
Shamnaz is the former wife of Minister at President's Office Adam Rameez. Although the two have children together, they recently got divorced. Reports indicate that there are no charges against Rameez in this case, with him not included in the list of people being investigated in relation to the case either.
However, both Rameez and Shamnaz have been suspended from their posts.