The court hearing regarding 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 of the charge sanctioned by former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku. The adjournment occurred because all magistrates were attending a conference in Suva this week.
The case has been rescheduled for next Tuesday at the Suva Magistrate’s Court with Magistrate Yogesh Prasad. Until the hearing takes place, the prosecution’s request to consolidate the files related to both defendants will be on hold.
In a related matter, Sayed-Khaiyum has been excused from attending the next court hearing. Magistrate Joji Boseiwaqa granted his request during the hearing regarding 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 transaction, Saneem faces a charge of receiving a corrupt benefit amounting to $55,944.03 in back pay from Sayed-Khaiyum.
During the session, defense attorney Devanesh Sharma requested that Sayed-Khaiyum be excused due to health concerns. The court approved this request, and only Saneem will be present at the next hearing.