Patrick Herminie, who heads the United Seychelles party and aspired to run in the 2025 presidential race, criticized the decision, labeling it as politically motivated.

Herminie was apprehended on Friday at his party’s headquarters, where his office underwent a search, only to be later released.

In a peculiar case, Patrick Herminie, along with six other Seychellois and a Tanzanian national, found themselves charged in connection with an investigation into “witchcraft” and activities described as “unnatural and superstitious.”

The investigation stemmed from the discovery in August of two bodies, an elderly woman and a young man, unearthed in a cemetery on the main island of Mahé.

Notably, Mr. Herminie’s name was discovered on the phone of the Tanzanian national, who had been detained at Seychelles International Airport in late September, found in possession of various items, including stones, small bottles with a brownish liquid, an array of powders, and documents containing language and symbols characterized as satanic, according to the Seychelles News Agency.

Prosecutors claimed that these symbols resembled those found at vandalized locations across the archipelago, including Catholic churches.

Following his charges on Monday, Patrick Herminie was released on bail, set at 30,000 Seychelles rupees (approximately €2,100). He expressed his belief that this decision was influenced by the current Head of State, Mr. Ramkalawan.

If proven guilty, the accused could potentially face fines. A subsequent hearing has been scheduled for November 3rd.