A Maldivian court has extended the judicial remand of former state minister Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem and her sister Hawwa Sana Saleem. They are accused of using black magic to get closer to President Mohamed Muizzu. The court session was held following their initial arrest on June 23.

A Maldivian court extended the judicial remand of former state minister Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem and her sister, Hawwa Sana Saleem, for a week on accusations of performing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu, according to media reports.

Both sisters were detained last week based on a police intelligence report alongside an alleged sorcerer, who has since been released from custody. The sisters had initially been arrested on June 23. Their remand was extended after a Criminal Court session on Monday.

Shamnaz, who served as a state minister at the Environment Ministry, was suspended from her role following her detention. Her ex-husband Adam Rameez, previously a minister at the President's Office, was also suspended in connection to the case and has reportedly fled the country.

Police seized various digital devices and items possibly linked to sorcery from the sisters' possession as part of their ongoing investigation.

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