Mohammed Saneem, the former Supervisor of Elections, alleged in court that his rights were violated during his arrest earlier this year. Saneem testified at the Suva Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad while discussing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (ODPP) request to consolidate charges against him and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Saneem has also asked for the charges against him to be declared invalid, citing violations of his rights during his detention.
Saneem asserted that his human rights were infringed upon during the period of March 8 to March 11, when he was arrested. He faces allegations of unlawfully soliciting and receiving over $50,000 in tax relief benefits from a senior government official while serving in his role from June to July 2022. Saneem recounted the circumstances of his apprehension, explaining that two police officers came to his law firm pretending to seek legal advice but instead took him into custody.
Despite his attempts to arrange for legal representation, Saneem claimed that the DPP ordered his immediate charging late in the day, leading to his detention without any written justification, as police referenced “orders from above.” He described the conditions he endured during his three-day confinement at Totogo Police Station, highlighting the stress from his previous responsibilities of overseeing three elections and the treatment he faced.
The case took another turn when Saneem addressed concerns about a FijiFirst party banner at the Suva Civic carpark, presenting a letter from the former chair of the Electoral Commission, Mukesh Chand, which confirmed his actions to have the banner removed, showcasing his commitment to neutrality. Meanwhile, co-defendant Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is facing charges of abuse of office, accused of improperly authorizing a payment arrangement that benefited Saneem without the necessary approvals. The prosecution claims that Saneem solicited corrupt benefits through government connections. The case will resume on December 17 for a ruling.
This unfolding legal drama highlights the complexities within Fiji’s political landscape and governance. Regardless of the outcomes of these proceedings, it offers an opportunity for reflection on the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that individual rights are protected within the justice system. As the legal processes move forward, there is hope that the situation will ultimately lead to clarity and a reaffirmation of accountability both for public officials and the systems in place to oversee them.
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