State Prosecution has been granted additional time to finalize its submissions regarding the bail variation application submitted by former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Sayed-Khaiyum is seeking permission from the court to travel abroad for a medical evaluation and appeared in Suva Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sufia Hamza yesterday.
During the hearing, State Prosecutor Unaisi Ratukalou requested more time, explaining that they had recently consulted two urologists who would provide information about the medical procedures available locally for his condition.
In defense, lawyer Devanesh Sharma pointed out that the State had previously requested time on July 15 for similar reasons when acting assistant director of Public Prosecution, Laisani Tabuakuro, had made a similar plea. Mr. Sharma challenged the State’s methods in securing the necessary affidavits for their submission and expressed concern that the repeated delays are unacceptable for an urgent matter.
It was previously indicated that the State would present the investigating officer as a witness during this session. Magistrate Hamza expressed her disappointment over the State’s request, highlighting that these delays are unfair to the defense, who now need additional time to respond to the affidavit.
The court has instructed the State to submit their filings by the end of the business day yesterday, and another session is scheduled for 12 PM today to continue with the bail hearing, following a previous matter addressed by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad earlier at 11:30 PM.