Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva has formally closed the State’s case against former acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem.
The trial, underway at the High Court in Suva, is being presided over by Chief Justice Salesi Temo.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum is accused of authorising a second Deed of Variation (DoV) and Addendum between the Government and Mr Saneem, allowing for the waiver of additional deductible tax on backpay—without the required approval from the President or the Constitutional Offices Commission, as required under Section 136 of the Constitution. The alleged incident took place between June 30 and July 21, 2022.
In the second count, Mr Saneem is alleged to have unlawfully sought and received a benefit—specifically the approval and payment of a $55,944.03 tax relief—without proper authorisation. The benefit was allegedly facilitated by Mr Sayed-Khaiyum in his capacity as acting Prime Minister, Chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission, and General Secretary of the FijiFirst Party.
The alleged conduct occurred between June 1 and July 31, 2022.
The defence is expected to begin its case next.
