Fiji’s former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum today pleaded not guilty to a charge of abuse of office relating to the review and approval of former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem’s remuneration.
His bail has been extended, and he is due in court next on September 5 for mention, to fix hearing dates.
It is alleged that between June 30 and July 12, 2022, while acting as the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sayed-Khaiyum signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and the then SOE, agreeing to pay Saneem’s taxes without the proper approval of the Constitutional Offices Commission and the Fiji President.
Sayed-Khaiyum appeared in court this morning before Chief Magistrate Waleen George who also checked on the provision of disclosures by the State to his counsel.
In the lead-up to his next court appearance, the State – represented by Elizabeth Rice and Juleen Fatiaki – and defence – Devanesh Sharma and Fatima Gul, will work on agreed facts.
