The court hearings related to the abuse of office allegations against former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum were postponed yesterday. The session was intended to address the State prosecution’s response to the defense’s challenge regarding the charge, which was sanctioned by former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku. The adjournment occurred as all magistrates were attending a conference in Suva.
The next hearing is set for next Tuesday at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad. Until then, the prosecution’s request to consolidate the cases for both individuals involved will be suspended.
In other developments, Sayed-Khaiyum will not be present for the next court session. Magistrate Joji Boseiwaqa approved this request during the proceedings concerning Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Election, Mohammed Saneem, who is also facing abuse of office charges. Sayed-Khaiyum is accused of signing a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Fijian Government and Saneem, which allegedly led to Saneem receiving a corrupt benefit amounting to $55,944.03 in back-pay.
The court allowed the absence of Sayed-Khaiyum at the upcoming hearing, leaving only Saneem to appear. Sayed-Khaiyum’s defense attorney, Devanesh Sharma, cited health issues as the reason for the request.