Chief Justice Salesi Temo has ruled that the Suva High Court will remain open for the ongoing trial involving former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem and former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. This decision came after the State’s request to conduct the session in a closed court was denied. The State had sought to protect the judiciary’s reputation, but Temo prioritized transparency due to the public interest in the case.
The case has drawn widespread attention as it delves into issues of governance and accountability in Fiji. The charges involve Saneem allegedly receiving a corrupt benefit, and Sayed-Khaiyum is accused of abuse of office. These allegations stem from an incident in 2022, when Sayed-Khaiyum, acting as Prime Minister, supposedly sanctioned payments to cover Saneem’s taxes, totaling more than $55,000, which allegedly lacked necessary endorsements.
Preetika Prasad, formerly the Acting Solicitor General and Secretary of the Constitutional Offices Commission, is slated to provide testimony as a vital witness. Despite the State’s concerns regarding potential social media victimization of witnesses, Justice Temo emphasized the legal provisions in place to protect the court’s integrity and indicated that any unlawful defamation could lead to contempt charges.
The trial underscores the judiciary’s pivotal role in ensuring transparency and integrity in governmental proceedings. By keeping the trial open to the public, the judiciary demonstrates a commitment to upholding justice, which can reinforce public trust and set important precedents for future governance. Furthermore, this case may lead to policy reforms and raise ethical standards within public service, showcasing how judicial processes contribute to maintaining accountability in government operations.