Mohammed Saneem, the former Supervisor of Elections, testified in Suva Magistrate’s Court asserting that his rights were violated during his arrest and subsequent remand earlier this year. Appearing before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, Saneem provided evidence related to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) intention to consolidate charges against him and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, as well as Saneem’s own motion to have the charges declared null due to rights violations.
Saneem claimed that his human rights were breached between March 8 and March 11. He faces allegations of unlawfully soliciting and receiving a tax relief benefit exceeding $50,000 during his term as Supervisor of Elections from June 1 to July 31, 2022.
In his testimony, Saneem described the circumstances of his arrest on March 8, alleging that police officers, disguised as clients, took him into custody instead of discussing a legal matter. Despite seeking temporary legal counsel, he was reportedly charged by the Director of Public Prosecutions later that same day despite the late hour.
Saneem recounted that he received no written explanation for his detention, only vague “orders from above.” He experienced a lack of communication from officials while being held at the Totogo Police Station, leading to feelings of being trapped in limbo without a valid court order for his remand. He expressed that the stress from his previous election oversight added to the distress of his conditions during this period.
During the hearing, Saneem also addressed allegations of undue influence concerning the presence of a FijiFirst party banner at the Suva Civic car park. He presented a letter from the former chair of the Electoral Commission, Mukesh Chand, confirming that Saneem acted to have the banner removed, reinforcing his stance on impartiality.
Meanwhile, Sayed-Khaiyum faces charges of abuse of office for allegedly authorizing payments benefiting Saneem without proper approvals. The prosecution contends that Saneem solicited corrupt benefits through government connections.
The case is set to resume on December 17 for a ruling.
This situation highlights the ongoing complexities within the legal and political landscape of the region, and the attention on human rights and due process may provide a pathway for reform and accountability. Citizens can remain hopeful that justice will prevail and the judicial outcomes may pave the way for greater transparency in governance.
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