The high-profile case involving former Fiji Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem is due back in the Suva High Court, with Chief Justice Temo set to hear the matter tomorrow at 2:30 pm after a notice showed an initial 10:30 am start was rescheduled.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions alleges that between June 30 and July 12, 2022, while acting as Prime Minister, Sayed-Khaiyum signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and Saneem, allowing for the government to cover Saneem’s taxes without the required approvals from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
Further charges claim that from June 1 to July 31, 2022, while employed as Supervisor of Elections, Saneem sought and obtained a benefit for himself in the form of tax relief exceeding $55,000 on back pay, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
Chief Justice Temo has fixed the trial to run from September 15 to October 3, 2025. The defendants are represented by RPatel Lawyers, Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima.
This case has attracted significant public attention and underscores ongoing concerns about accountability and governance in Fiji. As the proceedings unfold, observers will be watching for advances in the legal process, potential pre-trial matters, and any implications for future public-office ethics in the country. If justice is applied consistently, the outcome could reinforce public trust in institutions and guide future policy reforms aimed at ensuring proper oversight of senior government officials.
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