The Magistrates Court in Suva has denied former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s request to modify his bail conditions to allow for overseas travel for medical evaluation. Resident Magistrate Sufia Hamza, in her decision, noted that Sayed-Khaiyum had previously received treatment in Singapore for heart and kidney issues. Dr. Sireli Kaloucava, one of Fiji’s two urologist consultants, confirmed that adequate post-treatment care is available locally.
In her ruling, Magistrate Hamza referenced relevant case law, emphasizing that it is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate the presence of special and imperative circumstances that warrant changes to bail conditions. These circumstances must be either new factors or ones not previously addressed by the court.
She also cited a precedent in which Justice Goundar indicated that while ensuring the accused’s appearance at court is crucial, other factors such as the purpose of the overseas visit, its duration, and its potential impact on the justice system must also be considered.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces multiple charges, including six counts of abuse of office and seven counts of obstructing the course of justice, all of which are deemed serious offenses. He was not present in court for the ruling, and the case has been rescheduled for mention on September 3.