Sayed-Khaiyum, Saneem trial delayed over recusal bid

The trial of former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem has been rescheduled to 2.30pm today.

Their lawyer, Gul Fatima, confirmed the change this morning.

This newspaper understands that Defense filed an application at the High Court Criminal Registry requesting the recusal of Chief Justice Salesi Temo from hearing the trial which was set to begin this morning.

Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office and one count of obstructing the course of justice, relating to the signing of a Deed of Variation and Addendum on behalf of the government and Saneem in 2021.

Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit of $55,944.03 from the transaction.