Defence lawyer Devanesh Sharma has objected to the Director of Public Prosecutions’ application to consolidate charges against former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former supervisor of elections Mohammed Saneem.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad in the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges relating to a report lodged by Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa.
It is alleged that, while acting as prime minister two years ago, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the then FijiFirst government and Mr Saneem, in which he approved a payment to the former supervisor of elections without the proper approval of the Constitutional Offices Commission.
Mr Saneem also appeared on a charge of receiving a corrupt benefit through the receipt of deductible relief in the sum of $55,944.03 for his backpay from Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.
State lawyer Nimisha Shankar said the application for consolidation of charges was filed on April 24 while a further supporting affidavit was filed on June 7 this year.
Mr Prasad reminded Ms Shankar to summon the officer in charge of the case to be present in court during the hearing.
Mr Sharma’s request to file a response to the issues of consolidation within 21 days was granted.
He also informed the court of an application seeking bail variation for Mr Sayed-Khaiyum to travel to Singapore as instructed by his doctor for medical purposes.
Mr Sharma reminded the court that this was not the first time for his client to travel for medical purposes as he had complied with previously imposed conditions.
The State is scheduled to respond to the bail variation application on June 14 and hearing on motion to travel abroad on June 17.
Bail for both men was extended and consolidation of application hearing adjourned to July 16.
