Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s bail application is set to be heard today by Chief Justice Salesi Temo as he seeks the court’s permission to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment. Last week, state prosecutors and officials from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) visited Aspen Medical Hospital in Lautoka to evaluate Sayed-Khaiyum’s health condition following a formal request from his brother, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has confirmed that these visits are part of their due diligence in assessing whether Sayed-Khaiyum’s medical state justifies the need for overseas treatment. His defense attorney, Gul Fatima, has raised serious concerns regarding her client’s health, disclosing that Sayed-Khaiyum suffers from ischaemic heart disease and requires urgent evaluation for a neurological condition. Reports indicate that doctors have warned of the significant risk of another stroke or cardiac event if he does not receive necessary treatment.
Sayed-Khaiyum has previously requested to travel abroad for medical assessment, but his request was denied by the court due to earlier treatment he received in Singapore and reassurances from local medical professionals that adequate follow-up care is available in Fiji. The court’s ruling today will be crucial, as it comes amidst ongoing legal battles, including multiple charges of abuse of office.
Despite the gravity of his legal circumstances, there remains a compassionate response from the court and a shared hope for Sayed-Khaiyum’s health recovery. As he faces these formidable challenges both legally and medically, the priority being given to his health underscores the importance of addressing critical medical needs within the judicial framework. This balancing act between legal proceedings and health care reflects a commitment to ensuring fair treatment during this difficult time.
The upcoming court decision will significantly impact Sayed-Khaiyum, as it may allow him to seek the necessary medical care that could aid in his recovery and better enable his participation in ongoing legal processes.
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