Mohammed Saneem, the former Supervisor of Elections, has claimed 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, stated he will review and decide whether the alleged violations occurred. The court will also determine the legitimacy of the charges filed against Saneem by the then Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku.
Both the State and Defense have been instructed to submit necessary documentation by October 28. Saneem and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum have been ordered to attend the court proceedings.
Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva represented the State, while Suva lawyers Davenesh Sharma and Gul Fatima appeared on behalf of Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces one charge of abuse of office, while Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit. Allegations state that between June 30 and July 12, 2022, while serving as Acting Prime Minister, Sayed-Khaiyum signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and Saneem. This transaction allegedly occurred without proper approval from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
Additionally, it is claimed that from June 1 to July 31, 2022, while he was in office, Saneem improperly sought and received over $50,000 in deductible tax relief on his back pay from a senior Government official.
The case has been postponed until November 4 for further hearings.