The former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, testified in court regarding the alleged violation of his rights during his arrest and remand earlier this year. Appearing before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, Saneem provided evidence in relation to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (ODPP) application to consolidate his charges with those against former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Saneem also sought to have the charges declared null and void due to the claimed infringement of his rights.
Saneem asserted that his human rights were compromised during the period of March 8 to March 11 when he was taken into custody. He faces allegations that, while serving as Supervisor of Elections between June and July 2022, he unlawfully solicited and accepted a benefit exceeding $50,000 in tax relief for personal gain from a senior government official.
His testimony recounted his dramatic arrest, detailing how two police officers masqueraded as clients asking for legal assistance at his law firm before detaining him. Despite his lawyer’s unavailability, Saneem anticipated being able to secure temporary legal representation until the following day. However, he claimed that he was abruptly ordered to be charged later that same day. He recounted insisting that it was too late for such proceedings, to which the officers reportedly responded, “Lock him up.”
Saneem expressed frustration over not receiving written justification for his detention, and he claimed that attempts to connect with the DPP yielded no responses, leaving him without clarity on his situation. He described his confinement at Totogo Police Station as a distressing experience, made worse by the pressures from his prior responsibilities overseeing multiple elections and the harsh treatment he received.
Another noteworthy aspect of the case involved allegations of undue influence concerning a FijiFirst party banner’s presence at the Suva Civic carpark, which Saneem countered by producing a letter from the former chair of the Electoral Commission, Mukesh Chand, asserting that he had moved to have the banner removed, demonstrating his commitment to election impartiality.
Co-defendant Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum faces separate charges of abuse of office, specifically related to improperly authorizing a payment arrangement benefitting Saneem during his tenure as Acting Prime Minister. The prosecution alleges that this occurred without proper approvals.
The case is set for the next hearing on December 17, where a ruling will be made.
This testimony highlights the complexities of legal proceedings involving public figures and the importance of upholding human rights, which is foundational to any democratic society. There is hope that the judicial process will clarify the situation and uphold justice for all parties involved, emphasizing the significance of accountability in public service.
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