Mohammed Saneem, the former Supervisor of Elections, testified in court that his rights were violated during his arrest and subsequent detention earlier this year. This testimony took place at the Suva Magistrate’s Court under the presiding Magistrate Yogesh Prasad.
Saneem was providing evidence regarding the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (ODPP) motion to merge charges against him and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, while also requesting that the charges against him be rendered null and void due to the alleged infringement of his rights.
He claimed that his human rights were breached between March 8 and March 11, 2023, during the time of his arrest and remand. The allegations against him involve unlawfully soliciting and receiving a benefit exceeding $50,000 in tax relief on his back pay from a senior government official for personal gain, while he was serving as Supervisor of Elections from June to July 2022.
During his testimony, Saneem recounted the dramatic events of his arrest on March 8, where two police officers allegedly posed as clients seeking legal help but instead detained him. Despite not having his preferred lawyer, he attempted to secure temporary legal representation but was faced with an immediate charge ordered by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Saneem shared his frustration at being told by the officers, “Lock him up,” when he suggested it was too late in the day for his proceedings.
He claimed he received no official written explanation for his detention, with police citing “orders from above.” During his three-day detention at Totogo Police Station, he described poor treatment, stating that the stress he endured from overseeing recent elections was compounded by the conditions he faced while remanded.
The case took another twist when Saneem addressed accusations regarding undue influence from the FijiFirst party related to a banner at the Suva Civic car park. He presented a letter from the former chair of the Electoral Commission, Mukesh Chand, confirming that Saneem had worked to remove the banner, highlighting his commitment to impartiality.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, his co-defendant, faces charges of abuse of office, alleged to have improperly authorized a payment arrangement benefiting Saneem during his time as Acting Prime Minister without proper approvals. The prosecution claims that Saneem solicited a corrupt benefit of over $50,000 in tax relief through his connections in the government.
The case is adjourned until December 17 for a ruling.
This situation reflects the complexities of upholding justice and the need for clarity regarding the rights of individuals under investigation. As the court considers these allegations, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fair conduct by both law enforcement and public officials in maintaining trust in the electoral process. The upcoming ruling may provide further insight into these serious matters, and an impartial resolution could restore faith in the system.
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