The legal representatives for former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum have decided to withdraw their request for a variation of bail that would permit him to travel to Singapore for a medical evaluation. Sayed-Khaiyum appeared in court before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning. Suva-based attorney Devanesh Sharma informed the court that they are considering alternative options under the Bail Act.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces a charge of abuse of office, stemming from a complaint filed by Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa. It is alleged that between June 30 and July 12, 2022, while he was Acting Prime Minister, Sayed-Khaiyum signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum that involved the Government and the former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem. The accusation states that the government’s agreement to cover Saneem’s taxes was made without the necessary approvals from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
Saneem himself is facing a charge of receiving a corrupt benefit. He allegedly solicited and received a benefit exceeding $50,000 in tax relief on his back pay between June 1 and July 31, 2022, while serving as Supervisor of Elections, without proper authorization.
The case has been adjourned until August 20.