Former Supervisor of Elections and lawyer Mohammed Saneem has vocalized strong criticism regarding the alleged routine misuse of the 48-hour detention rule by law enforcement agencies in Fiji. He claims that recent public outcry reflects a long-standing issue where the rights of ordinary citizens are overlooked.
In a LinkedIn post, Saneem pointed out that many individuals are just beginning to realize that both the Police and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) have been abusing constitutional limits concerning detention without charge. He accused law enforcement of detaining suspects until the culmination of the 48-hour period only to release them without any charges—this practice, he claims, happens frequently.
Saneem further alleged that arrests tend to be made on Friday afternoons, allowing for interviews to stretch into the weekend and effectively extending the detention time. He questioned the consistency of the right to legal counsel, asserting that it is sometimes regarded as optional rather than a fundamental guarantee. Additionally, he noted that the Criminal Investigations Department has, in certain instances, charged individuals solely to facilitate their overnight detention.
Referring to the current public reaction to a high-profile case involving FICAC, Saneem indicated that this backlash unveils a more profound issue within the system. He lamented that strong responses from noteworthy figures, such as the Deputy Speaker, are seldom witnessed in cases involving average citizens.
In his closing remarks, Saneem urged the public to acknowledge that these troubling practices have persisted for an extended period and should elicit concern regardless of whether prominent individuals are involved. His comments serve as a reminder of the need for systemic reform to protect the rights of all citizens.
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