Seven witnesses are set to testify in a defamation lawsuit filed by Mohammed Saneem, the former Supervisor of Elections, against Laisani Tabuakuro, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions. The lawsuit claims that Tabuakuro made defamatory statements against Saneem on social media. This legal matter was recently addressed in a hearing before Acting Master Liyanage Wickramasekara, where both parties confirmed that all necessary documents had been submitted.
Saneem’s statement of claim indicates that on July 3 of last year, he shared a post from the Fiji Government’s Facebook page, which contained a statement from the attorney general. He accompanied this post with a comment implying abuse of office by Tabuakuro, stating that “None of his actions are unlawful” and that “The State should be a model litigant.” In response, Tabuakuro commented, “So rich coming from you. Stop spreading lies, you unethical lawyer,” asserting that the Supreme Court had indicated there were no issues regarding Saneem’s criminal charges.
Saneem contends that Tabuakuro’s comments have significantly damaged his reputation and standing in the community. As a part of the lawsuit, he is seeking an injunction to prevent Tabuakuro from further defaming him or harassing him on any social media platform.
Representing herself, Tabuakuro did not oppose a proposed three-day hearing, during which she and two other witnesses will provide evidence alongside Saneem’s four witnesses. A hearing date is anticipated to be scheduled soon.
This case unfolds within a broader context of legal challenges surrounding Saneem, who has also raised concerns about the validity of charges against him and the circumstances of his arrest, which he claims involved violations of his rights and due process. The judicial proceedings suggest a commitment to addressing grievances related to public conduct and reputation, indicating that the matter could set important precedents for how such issues are handled in the future.
The situation highlights a significant intersection of legal accountability and the handling of public statements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity within both the legal system and social discourse. Therefore, upcoming hearings will be watched closely, as they may play a crucial role in upholding the principles of justice while navigating the intricacies of public service and individual rights.
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