A magistrate in Suva, Yogesh Prasad, has urged all parties involved in the case against former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, to expedite the proceedings. During a court session, he emphasized the importance of resolving the trial without unnecessary delays.
Saneem faces allegations of accepting a corrupt benefit, specifically the amount of $55,944.03 in deductible relief as back pay from former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
Nancy Tikoisuva, the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, informed the court that Mr. Prasad must determine the appropriate section of the Criminal Procedure Act for transferring the case to the High Court. She noted that motions filed by the defense have led to a judicial review and stay proceedings, which cannot be handled by a magistrate.
The motions raised by Saneem include challenges to the validity of the charges approved by then-acting DPP John Rabuku, as well as assertions of violations of fundamental human rights and inquiries into the Electoral Act’s authority regarding investigations and prosecutions by FICAC.
Additionally, the prosecution’s request to consolidate charges against Sayed-Khaiyum has been paused until the issues related to Saneem are settled and the matter returns to the lower court. Sayed-Khaiyum faces separate allegations of abuse of office.
Both parties have been instructed to submit their arguments regarding the motions and consolidation of charges by October 28. The case is scheduled for a hearing on November 4.