The bail variation hearing for former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, concerning his request to travel to Singapore for a medical assessment, will take place today at the Suva Magistrate’s Court.
Originally scheduled for yesterday, the hearing required the presence of both Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum and the investigating officer for cross-examination. However, DPP prosecutor Unaisi Ratukalou informed the court that the State needed additional time until Thursday to submit a supplementary affidavit from a senior urologist.
Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum’s lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, contested the need for further time, asserting that the State had ample opportunity to verify his client’s medical reports. He noted that both parties were previously aware of the hearing date, and Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum was prepared for cross-examination at the court’s request.
“You can’t keep coming to court asking to file supplementary affidavits,” Mr. Sharma remarked. “It’s a bail application; it’s an urgent matter.”
In reply, Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza indicated that if the Office of the DPP intended to submit the application, time would be available for the defense to respond. Ms. Ratukalou guaranteed that the affidavit would be filed and delivered to the defense by the end of business yesterday.
Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum’s bail has been extended.