The former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, testified in court that his rights were infringed upon during his arrest and detention earlier this year. He presented his case before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad at the Suva Magistrate’s Court.
Saneem’s testimony was part of a hearing concerning the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (ODPP) request to combine the charges against him and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Saneem also sought for the charges against him to be declared null and void, arguing that his human rights were violated from March 8 to March 11 during his arrest.
He faces allegations of unlawfully soliciting and receiving benefits exceeding $50,000 in tax relief while serving as Supervisor of Elections between June and July 2022. Saneem described the troubling details of his arrest on March 8, claiming two police officers disguised as clients took him into custody under the pretense of needing legal advice. Despite his request for legal representation, he stated that he was charged without proper justification and was held without any written documentation explaining his detention.
During his confinement at the Totogo Police Station, he reported enduring harsh conditions and stressed the psychological impact of his previous responsibilities overseeing three elections. The situation was compounded by a possible violation of his rights, highlighting a significant legal concern around the treatment of individuals in custody.
Furthermore, the proceedings took an interesting turn when Saneem was asked about allegations involving undue influence due to the presence of a FijiFirst party banner. In response, he referenced a letter from the former chair of the Electoral Commission, which affirmed his efforts to have the banner removed, reinforcing his commitment to neutrality in his former role.
Co-defendant Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is facing separate charges of abuse of office, with accusations indicating he improperly authorized a payment arrangement to benefit Saneem. The case is slated to continue on December 17 for a ruling.
This case underlines the complex interplay between legal oversight and political accountability, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights within judicial processes. As these proceedings advance, there is hope that the judicial system will uphold fairness and justice for all involved.
In summary, Mohammed Saneem claims that his rights were violated during his arrest as he contests serious allegations of misconduct, while the court prepares to make rulings on these intertwined cases. This ongoing legal saga highlights issues of governance and accountability within the political landscape.
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