Former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, has alleged in an affidavit that his rights were violated during his time in custody. Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, who presided over the case in the Magistrates Court in Suva, stated that he would evaluate the claims and determine if any breaches occurred. He will also decide on the legitimacy of the charges brought against Saneem by then-Acting DPP John Rabuku.
Both the State and the Defence have been instructed to submit necessary documents by October 28. Additionally, Saneem and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum are required to attend court.
Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva represented the State, while Suva lawyers Davenesh Sharma and Gul Fatima appeared for Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office, while Saneem is charged with one count of receiving a corrupt benefit. The accusations state that between June 30 and July 12, 2022, while serving as the Acting Prime Minister, Sayed-Khaiyum signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and Saneem. It is claimed that the approval for the government to cover Saneem’s taxes was made without the proper consent from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
Furthermore, it is alleged that between June 1 and July 31, 2022, while serving as Supervisor of Elections, Saneem improperly requested and received a tax relief benefit exceeding $50,000 on his back pay from a senior Government official without lawful authority or reasonable justification.
The case has been adjourned until November 4 for a hearing.