Police release State minister accused of "witchcraft"

State Minister Fathmath Shamnaz Ali, who was arrested on allegations of practising witchcraft against President Mohammed Muizzu's family, has been released from police custody.

Shamnaz and her sister, Hawwa Sana, were arrested by police on 23rd last month and their remand was extended two times by the Hulhumale Court. Police released the two women on Saturday before their current remand period expired, deciding against seeking a third remand extension.

Without mentioning their names or the case specifically, Police sent a message to the media on Saturday saying the 40-year-old woman and 26-year-old woman, who were arrested on 23rd last month in connection with a case being investigated, have been released.

"They have been released from custody because they do not require to be remanded any longer," the message said, noting that the case is still under investigation.

The 40-year-old woman in the police message is Shamnaz. The 26-year-old is Sana.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdullah Shareef told a press conference late last month that an investigation was underway into a case of witchcraft against President Muizzu and his family.

Later, Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed said in an X post that such allegations against Shamnaz being arrested on charges of witchcraft against President Muizzu, and the family reporting it, is not true.