The court hearing regarding the abuse of office charges against former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum was postponed yesterday. The session was intended to address the State prosecution’s response to the defense’s challenge of the charge approved by former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku. The adjournment occurred because all magistrates were attending a conference in Suva this week.
The application has been rescheduled for next Tuesday at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, where it will be overseen by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad. Until the case is heard, the prosecution’s request to consolidate the files for both individuals will be temporarily halted.
In related news, Sayed-Khaiyum has been excused from attending the upcoming court session. Magistrate Joji Boseiwaqa approved this request while presiding over the case involving Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, who are both facing abuse of office charges.
Sayed-Khaiyum is accused of signing a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government of Fiji and Saneem. As a result of this agreement, Saneem faces charges for receiving a corrupt benefit totaling $55,944.03 in back pay from Sayed-Khaiyum.
During the proceedings, Sayed-Khaiyum’s defense lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, requested the court to excuse his client’s presence due to health concerns, which was granted. Consequently, only Saneem will be present at the next court sitting.