Former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem’s appeal against a ruling by Suva Magistrate Yogesh Prasad regarding pretrial matters will take place on February 17. Saneem appeared in court alongside co-defendant former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for their first hearing this morning with Suva Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe.
Sayed-Khaiyum is facing one count of abuse of office, while Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit, specifically in connection to $55,944.03 in back pay he allegedly received from Sayed-Khaiyum.
In December 2024, Magistrate Prasad addressed four pretrial matters raised by Saneem’s defense lawyer, Devanesh Sharma. The appeal centers on crucial issues: the legitimacy of the police investigation instead of one by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), the implications of alleged human rights violations during the investigation, and the sanctioning of charges by former acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku, whose eligibility for the position was questioned following a conviction under the Legal Practitioners Act for non-compliance.
State counsel Nancy Tikoisuva expressed the prosecution’s objections to the appeal, while Justice Rajasinghe has instructed both parties to make necessary submissions according to the pertinent sections of the Criminal Procedure Act and the constitution.
This case highlights ongoing challenges within Fiji’s legal and electoral systems, underlining the importance of upholding due process and transparency in governance. It reflects a broader commitment to accountability and integrity within public office, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
In summary, the forthcoming hearing will further explore these significant legal concerns, with implications not only for Saneem and Sayed-Khaiyum but also for the standards of conduct expected from public officials in Fiji.
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