Former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, has stated in an affidavit that his rights were violated during his time in custody. Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, who oversaw the case at the Magistrates Court in Suva, indicated that he would review the claims to determine if any breaches occurred. He will also assess the legitimacy of the charges brought against Saneem by former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku.
Both the State and Defense teams have been instructed to submit their required documents by October 28. Additionally, Saneem and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum are required to be present in court.
Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva represented the State, while lawyers Davenesh Sharma and Gul Fatima acted on behalf of Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office, whereas Saneem is charged with one count of receiving a corrupt benefit. The allegations against Sayed-Khaiyum suggest that, while serving as Acting Prime Minister from June 30 to July 12, 2022, he signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and Saneem. The charges assert that this arrangement concerning tax payments for Saneem did not receive proper approval from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
Furthermore, Saneem is accused of improperly requesting and receiving over $50,000 in tax relief on his back pay from a senior Government official during his tenure as Supervisor of Elections between June 1 and July 31, 2022.
The case has been adjourned until November 4 for further hearing.