The court hearing concerning the abuse of office charge against former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum was postponed yesterday. The session was meant to address the State prosecution’s response to the defense’s challenge regarding the charge sanctioned by former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku. The postponement occurred as all magistrates were attending a conference in Suva this week.
The hearing has been rescheduled for next Tuesday at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, overseen by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad. Until that time, the prosecution’s request to consolidate the files pertaining to both defendants will be on hold.
Additionally, Sayed-Khaiyum is excused from attending the next court session. Magistrate Joji Boseiwaqa granted this request during the proceedings of the abuse of office case involving Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Election, Mohammed Saneem. Sayed-Khaiyum faces a single count of abuse of office, linked to his signing of a Deed of Variation and Addendum involving the Government of Fiji and Saneem. Saneem, subsequently, was charged with receiving an improper benefit of $55,944.03 in back-pay from Sayed-Khaiyum.
During the proceedings, defense attorney Devanesh Sharma requested the absence of his client due to health concerns, and the court approved this request, which means Saneem will be the only individual present at the next hearing.