Former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, has alleged in an affidavit that his rights were violated during his time in custody. Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, who oversaw the proceedings at the Magistrates Court in Suva, stated he would evaluate the claims to determine if any breaches occurred. Additionally, the magistrate will rule on the legitimacy of the charges brought against Saneem by the then Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku.
Both the prosecution and defense have been instructed to submit necessary documentation by October 28. Saneem and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum are required to appear in court.
Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva represented the State, while lawyers Davenesh Sharma and Gul Fatima appeared on behalf of Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office, while Saneem is charged with one count of receiving a corrupt benefit. The charges allege that Sayed-Khaiyum, during his time as Acting Prime Minister between June 30 and July 12, 2022, signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and Saneem. It is claimed that the approval for the government to pay Saneem’s taxes lacked proper authorization from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
Furthermore, Saneem is accused of, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, soliciting and receiving a benefit exceeding $50,000 in tax relief on his back pay from a senior Government official between June 1 and July 31, 2022, while serving as the Supervisor of Elections.
The case has been postponed and is set to continue on November 4.