Former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, has stated in an affidavit that his rights were violated during his custody. Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, presiding over the case at the Magistrates Court in Suva, announced that he will evaluate the claims of rights breaches and determine the legitimacy of the charges against Saneem, which were filed by then Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku.
The court has instructed both the State and the Defense to submit their relevant documentation by October 28. Saneem and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum are required to appear in court for the proceedings. Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva represented the State, while Saneem was defended by lawyers Davenesh Sharma and Gul Fatima.
Sayed-Khaiyum is facing a charge of abuse of office, while Saneem has been charged with receiving a corrupt benefit. It is claimed that between June 30 and July 12, 2022, during his tenure as Acting Prime Minister, Sayed-Khaiyum signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and Saneem. Allegedly, this allowed the government to cover Saneem’s taxes without the necessary approvals from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
Furthermore, it is alleged that Saneem, while serving as Supervisor of Elections from June 1 to July 31, 2022, unlawfully solicited and received over $50,000 in tax relief on his back pay from a senior Government official without proper authority. The case has been postponed to November 4 for further hearing.