Former Election Supervisor Mohammed Saneem testified in the Suva Magistrate’s Court about the harsh conditions he faced during his police detention, including being denied the opportunity to celebrate his daughter’s birthday at home. Under cross-examination by lawyer Devanesh Sharma, Saneem described a series of events leading to his arrest, including receiving a call from a police officer who pretended to be involved in a rape case. He claimed that two police officers arrived and took him into custody based on what he assumed were orders from the acting Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku.
Saneem expressed that he was not informed of the reasons for his detention and requested to be allowed to attend his daughter’s party, but his plea was dismissed by the officers, who reportedly laughed at his request. He described being placed in a holding cell that he found unsanitary, noting issues such as rat droppings and medical conditions like panic attacks as a result of the treatment he received while in custody.
The court proceedings also included discussions about the Electoral Act, which grants the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) the authority to investigate this case. Saneem is facing a charge related to a corrupt benefit amounting to over $55,000. Additionally, both his lawyer and the acting DPP have been given a week to submit supplementary documentation with a ruling expected on December 17.
This case raises important questions about the treatment of individuals in police custody and the importance of safeguarding human rights, especially in the context of legal proceedings. The court’s upcoming decision may set a precedent for future cases involving similar allegations of inhumane treatment within the system.
Overall, the situation reveals a challenging intersection of law enforcement and human rights, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance and reform in judicial processes to ensure equitable treatment for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
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