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 approved by former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku. The delay 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, to be presided over by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad. Until then, the prosecution’s request to consolidate the files pertaining to both individuals involved will remain on hold.
In a related matter, Sayed-Khaiyum will not be present for the upcoming court session. Magistrate Joji Boseiwaqa granted his request while discussing the abuse of office charges involving both Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office, associated with signing a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government of Fiji and Saneem. Following this, Saneem was accused of receiving a corrupt benefit of $55,944.03 in back-pay linked to Sayed-Khaiyum.
During the proceedings, defense attorney Devanesh Sharma sought an exemption for his client’s presence due to health concerns, which the court approved, allowing only Saneem to attend the next session.