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 against the charge that was sanctioned by former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku.
The postponement was necessary because all magistrates were attending a conference in Suva this week. The application will now be discussed next Tuesday at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad. Additionally, the prosecution’s request to merge the files for both accused individuals will be temporarily on hold until the case is addressed.
In related developments, Sayed-Khaiyum will not be present at the upcoming court session. This request was approved by Magistrate Joji Boseiwaqa during a hearing for Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, linked to the abuse of office charges. Sayed-Khaiyum faces accusations of signing a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government of Fiji and Saneem.
As a result of this transaction, Saneem is alleged to have received a corrupt benefit amounting to $55,944.03 as back-pay from Sayed-Khaiyum. During the proceedings, defense attorney Devanesh Sharma cited health concerns as the reason for Sayed-Khaiyum’s absence, which the court granted, allowing only Saneem to attend the next session.