The court case 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 authorized by former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku.
The postponement occurred because all magistrates are attending a conference in Suva this week. The case has been rescheduled for next Tuesday at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, where Magistrate Yogesh Prasad will preside. The prosecution’s request to consolidate the files for both accused will remain on hold until the case is heard.
In addition, Sayed-Khaiyum will be absent from the next court session. Magistrate Joji Boseiwaqa approved this request during the proceedings regarding the abuse of office case for Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces a single count of abuse of office for allegedly signing a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government of Fiji and Saneem. This action led to Saneem being charged with receiving a corrupt benefit of $55,944.03 as back-pay from Sayed-Khaiyum.
During the court session, defense attorney Devanesh Sharma requested to excuse his client’s presence due to health concerns, which was granted by the court. Consequently, only Saneem is expected to attend the next court hearing.