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Illustration of More time for psychiatric evaluation in murder case

Court Delays Murder Case for Psychiatric Report Completion

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The High Court in Suva has announced that additional time is required to finalize the psychiatric evaluation report for Anare Vuli Cilicewa, a man charged with the murder of 28-year-old Shabreen Shain Ali. Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu made this statement during a session held yesterday, following the psychiatric assessment Mr. Cilicewa underwent two weeks prior.

The incident in question reportedly took place on September 8, where Mr. Cilicewa allegedly engaged in a violent altercation with Ms. Ali, during which he used an object to inflict fatal injuries upon her. In light of the situation, the court has received a correspondence from Dr. Kiran Gaikwad, who is performing the evaluation, requesting an extension for its completion. The court has granted an additional 14 days for this process.

Furthermore, Justice Bulamainaivalu commented on another request from Dr. Gaikwad regarding access to the accused’s charge sheet and related disclosures. While the judge indicated that this information could be shared with the doctor, he expressed reservations about releasing certain confidential documents that are integral to the upcoming trial.

Defense attorney Atama Waqanivavalagi brought to attention that Mr. Cilicewa has not yet received key documents related to the case, including a photograph from the alleged crime scene. State prosecutor Zenith Zunaid indicated that further investigations are still ongoing, which will require an additional three weeks.

Mr. Cilicewa remains in custody, and his bail application will be presented once the psychiatric report is submitted to the court. The proceedings are set to resume on November 18.

This case highlights the ongoing complexities of the legal process, particularly in cases involving mental health evaluations. It is a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and the need for comprehensive assessments to ensure a fair trial for all parties involved. The court’s careful approach aims to uphold justice while balancing the rights of the accused with the need for public safety.

In summary, the court has allowed more time for the psychiatric evaluation in the murder case against Anare Vuli Cilicewa, with proceedings scheduled to continue in mid-November.


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