The case involving former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem and former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has officially been moved to the High Court in Suva. Magistrate Yogesh Prasad ruled on a motion filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to transfer the case, which addresses serious charges against both figures.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum faces a charge of abuse of office, while Mohammed Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit amounting to $55,944.03 related to back-pay from Sayed-Khaiyum. In a recent statement, Magistrate Prasad explained that transferring the case is essential for the efficient administration of justice, facilitating a clearer legal process and shorter wait times for both defendants.
In prior hearings, Saneem’s defense has raised several points, questioning the treatment of accused individuals and the legality of charges brought against him. Notably, Saneem and his legal team dispute the jurisdiction from which these charges arise, suggesting that they fall under the purview of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) instead.
The case will again be taken up in 21 days at the High Court, allowing both parties time to prepare their final arguments. The upcoming sessions are expected to explore potential consolidation of the cases against Saneem and Sayed-Khaiyum, which could streamline proceedings.
As this high-profile case progresses, it highlights ongoing efforts toward accountability and the judicial system’s commitment to maintaining the rule of law. The legal community and the public will be closely watching the development of these proceedings, as they hold implications for both politician conduct and the broader electoral framework in Fiji.
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