Mohammed Saneem, the former Supervisor of Elections, has alleged in an affidavit that his rights were violated during his time in custody. Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, overseeing the case at the Magistrates Court in Suva, indicated that he would review the claims and determine if any breaches occurred.
The court will also decide on the legitimacy of the charges filed against Saneem by former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku. Both the State and the Defense have been instructed to submit the required documents by October 28. Additionally, Saneem and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum have been ordered to attend court.
Representing the State is Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva, while lawyers Davenesh Sharma and Gul Fatima are defending Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces a single count of abuse of office, while Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit. The allegations state that between June 30 and July 12, 2022, while serving as Acting Prime Minister, Sayed-Khaiyum approved a Deed of Variation and Addendum involving the Government and Saneem, permitting the government to cover Saneem’s taxes without the proper clearance from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
It is further alleged that between June 1 and July 31, 2022, Saneem, while acting as the Supervisor of Elections, unlawfully sought and received a benefit exceeding $50,000 in tax relief on his back pay from a senior Government official.
The case has been postponed until November 4 for further hearings.