Former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, has alleged a breach of his rights during his time in custody, as stated in a recent affidavit. Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad addressed the case in the Magistrates Court in Suva, indicating that he would review the allegations to determine if any rights violations occurred. Additionally, he will evaluate the legitimacy of the charges brought against Saneem by the former Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku.
The court has mandated both the State and the Defense to submit their filings by October 28. Saneem, along with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, has been ordered to appear in court.
Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva represented the State, while lawyers Davenesh Sharma and Gul Fatima appeared on behalf of Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum is facing a charge of abuse of office, whereas Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit. It is alleged that Sayed-Khaiyum, acting as Prime Minister between June 30 and July 12, 2022, approved a Deed of Variation and Addendum concerning Government payments to Saneem, which supposedly did not receive proper authorization from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
Furthermore, Saneem is accused of unlawfully soliciting and obtaining a benefit—specifically, tax relief exceeding $50,000 on his back pay—from a senior Government official during his tenure as Supervisor of Elections between June 1 and July 31, 2022.
The case has been adjourned until November 4 for further hearings.