The interim Attorney General had clarified that former prisoner Savenaca Seniloli was released after serving 6 years following the automatic one third remissions a prisoner is entitled to under the Prisons Act.

According to Sayed-Khaiyum, Seniloli was sentenced and jailed for 9 years for manslaughter and robbery with violence on September 6th, 2001.

It was earlier reported that the President's Office and the Prerogative of Mercy Commission had pardoned Seniloli who is the First Lady's nephew.

However, Sayed-Khaiyum said Seniloli at no time was even considered for a presidential pardon through the recommendation of the Prerogative of Mercy Commission as stated in the local dallies nor does he qualify to be considered by the Prerogative of Mercy Commission.

He said under Section 63 of the Prisons Act, it stated that every convicted criminal prisoner under sentence of imprisonment be eligible by satisfactory industry and good conduct to a remission of one third of his total sentence of imprisonment.

Sayed-Khaiyum said in Seniloli's case the one third remission of his sentence meant that he would serve 6 years provided he was on good behaviour throughout that period in prison.

He confirmed that Seniloli was discharged from Labasa Prison on September 5th, 2007 after serving 6 years of his 9 years sentence as he had maintained an unblemished record during his imprisonment.

Sayed-Khaiyum added that Seniloli was not released on extra mural punishment or Compulsory Supervision Order.

The Interim Attorney General said the newspaper company which alleged that Seniloli was pardoned by the President, have sought to malign the Office of the President.

He said it is an act of desperation and such an article did not let get facts in the way.