Former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, has stated 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 yesterday, indicated that he will evaluate whether these alleged violations occurred. He will also rule on the legitimacy of the charges brought against Saneem by former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), John Rabuku.
The State and Defense have been instructed to submit the necessary documents by October 28. Both Saneem and the former Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, are required to appear in court.
Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva represented the State, while Suva Lawyers Davenesh Sharma and Gul Fatima stood for Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces a charge of abuse of office, while Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit. It is alleged that Sayed-Khaiyum, during his tenure as Acting Prime Minister between June 30 and July 12, 2022, signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum involving the Government and Saneem. This agreement purportedly allowed for the government to cover Saneem’s taxes without appropriate approval from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
Additionally, between June 1 and July 31, 2022, while he was the Supervisor of Elections, Saneem allegedly solicited and accepted a benefit for himself, specifically the approval and payment of tax relief exceeding $50,000 on his back pay from a senior Government official, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
The hearing has been postponed until November 4.