Lawyer Devanesh Sharma continues to oppose the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) motion to consolidate charges against former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former supervisor of elections Mohammed Saneem. Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva stated that the consolidation is based on the facts arising from the men’s charges.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad in Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday, facing charges related to a report filed by the current Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa. It is alleged that, while serving as prime minister two years ago, Sayed-Khaiyum signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the FijiFirst government and Saneem, authorizing a payment to Saneem without the necessary approval from the Constitutional Offices Commission.
Mohammed Saneem also appeared in court, charged with receiving a corrupt benefit in the form of $55,944.03 as back pay from Sayed-Khaiyum.
The bail conditions for both Sayed-Khaiyum and Saneem have been extended. The hearing on the consolidation of charges is set to begin on August 6.