Mohammed Saneem, the former Supervisor of Elections, testified in Suva Magistrate’s Court, claiming that his rights were violated during his arrest and subsequent detention earlier this year. The court hearing was presided over by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad and involved the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which is seeking to consolidate charges against Saneem and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Saneem is also requesting that the charges against him be declared null and void based on his assertions of rights violations.
Saneem testified that during his arrest from March 8 to March 11, officers posed as potential clients seeking legal help at his law firm. Instead of receiving consultations, he was taken into custody, and his request for legal representation was denied because his lawyer was unavailable. He recounted that police were ordered to charge him immediately, despite the late hour. He expressed frustration over the lack of a written justification for his detention, which the police attributed to “orders from above.” His attempts to communicate with the DPP and other officials went unanswered, leaving him in a state of uncertainty while in custody at Totogo Police Station.
Throughout his confinement, Saneem described the harsh conditions he faced, compounded by the stress from his previous responsibilities overseeing three elections. Additionally, he presented evidence that countered allegations of undue influence related to a FijiFirst party banner, showing a letter from the former chair of the Electoral Commission affirming his commitment to impartiality by arranging its removal.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is facing separate charges of abuse of office, related to an alleged improper payment authorization benefiting Saneem without appropriate approvals. Saneem’s accusations involve receiving unlawful tax relief exceeding $50,000 on his back pay, purportedly through government connections.
The case has been postponed until December 17 for a ruling. In this legal battle, the focus is not only on the alleged misconduct of public figures but also on the fundamental rights of individuals within the judicial system. This situation highlights the importance of upholding legal processes and ensuring that the rights of the accused are respected, reinforcing the pillars of justice in society.
Overall, it is crucial to monitor this case as it unfolds, as it may set important precedents regarding the conduct of public officials and the protection of individual rights in legal proceedings.
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