Suva High Court denies Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s overseas medical travel request
The Suva High Court has denied former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s application to travel overseas for medical treatment. Chief Justice Salesi Temo delivered the ruling, saying the medical reports presented were not clear and did not persuade him to grant the travel request. As a result, Sayed-Khaiyum must remain in Fiji to attend his trial.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces six counts of abuse of office and seven counts of obstructing the course of justice under the Crimes Act, in a case linked to former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem.
The ruling comes amid a series of related bail-related decisions in Suva. In prior applications, Sayed-Khaiyum was denied permission to modify his bail conditions to travel overseas for medical evaluation or treatment, with magistrates noting that he had previously received treatment in Singapore and that post-treatment care is available in Fiji. Fiji-based urologist Dr. Sireli Kaloucava supported the claim that adequate care could be provided locally.
Legal observers caution that bail-related rulings hinge on demonstrating special and imperative circumstances and on weighing the purpose and duration of any overseas travel against the potential impact on the justice process. The case has been listed for further mention on September 3.
This decision keeps the proceedings firmly in Fiji and reinforces the court’s focus on ensuring the accused remains available for trial while the allegations are pursued.
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