Former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, has alleged in an affidavit that his rights were violated while in custody. During a court session in Suva, Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad stated he will evaluate and determine whether these alleged breaches occurred. He will also rule on the legitimacy of charges brought against Saneem by the then Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku.
Both the State and Defense have been directed to submit their arguments by October 28. Additionally, 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 defended Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces a charge of abuse of office, while Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit. It is alleged that Sayed-Khaiyum, during his tenure as Acting Prime Minister between June 30 and July 12, 2022, signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum with Saneem without proper authorization from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President regarding tax payments owed to Saneem.
Furthermore, Saneem is accused of unlawfully requesting and receiving a tax relief benefit of over $50,000 on his back pay from a senior Government official between June 1 and July 31, 2022.
The case has been postponed until November 4 for further hearings.