Fiji High Court refuses overseas medical travel for former attorney-general in high-profile abuse-of-office case
Fiji’s Chief Justice Salesi Temo has rejected a bail variation sought by former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to travel overseas for medical treatment. Sayed-Khaiyum, who faces six counts of abuse of office and seven counts of obstructing the course of justice in relation to payments connected to the former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, asked to travel to Singapore for urgent medical assessment and treatment for a heart condition.
In his ruling, Chief Justice Temo said the medical reports presented were not clear enough to persuade him that overseas treatment was necessary or urgent. He noted that local medical facilities in Fiji could provide appropriate post-treatment follow-up care. The decision means Sayed-Khaiyum must remain in Fiji and attend his trial, which is scheduled to resume on September 15.
The court’s decision aligns with a broader pattern in Suva of scrutinising bail variations that would permit overseas medical travel, with judges emphasising the need to keep the accused available for trial and to minimise disruptions to the judicial process. The charges against Sayed-Khaiyum include six counts of abuse of office and seven counts of obstructing the course of justice under the Crimes Act. The prosecution says the trial is set to begin on September 15, and both sides are preparing for the next phase of proceedings.
Commentary: The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s insistence that health concerns be weighed against the integrity and timeliness of the trial. By prioritising attendance and allowing local medical care to suffice in many cases, the court pool aims to balance the rights of the accused with the demands of the justice system. The decision may also reflect ongoing discussions about health care capacity in Fiji and the responsibilities of defendants facing serious charges while on bail.
Summary: The Suva High Court has rejected Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s request to travel to Singapore for medical treatment, keeping his trial on track for September 15 and indicating that Fiji-based medical facilities can handle post-treatment care.
A brief note on broader context: In related rulings, magistrates in Suva have repeatedly denied bail variations allowing overseas medical travel for Sayed-Khaiyum, citing prior overseas treatment and the sufficiency of local follow-up care. The pattern underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on ensuring the ongoing availability of defendants for trial in high-profile cases.
Summary in Fijian (with subheading)
Summary in Fijian: Vakadidike ni iVakatakilakila
E vakatakilakila na Turaga ni Law Doka o Salesi Temo na nona curu mai na iVakatawa ni voli vakailavo me balavu na viteviko qo: E vakadedei na nona vakatakarakaraki na keda vakadikevi Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum me lako ki Singapore me raici na leqa ni matabose ni ca ni mataqali dola. Ia sa vakaraitaki na iVakarau ni veivakabulai e sega ni yali ki na yaga ni bogi ni vale ni veivakalougatataki; e nanuma na veika e tomani e wili kina na ivakarau ni veivakabulai kei na veiqaravi e rua ena Fiji. Na mata ni veika ni siga ni veivakalougatataki me baleta Septemba 15 me bula yani na vuli ni dansa. Na i tukutuku e vakaraitaka ni na tomana na veiqaravi e tiko tiko ena vanua, ka rau mai vakadeitaka na macawa ni veivakadonui ni vanua ena muri.
Additional notes for editors:
– Suggested headline options: “Fiji Chief Justice Denies Overseas Medical Travel in Sayed-Khaiyum Case”; “High Court Keeps Former AG in Fiji as Trial Set for September”; “Judiciary Reaffirms Trial Readiness in Sayed-Khaiyum Abuse-of-Office Case.”
– SEO keywords to consider: Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, bail variation, overseas medical travel, Suva High Court, Mohammed Saneem, abuse of office, obstructing justice, Crimes Act, September 15 trial.
– If including a sidebar, consider listing: charges against Sayed-Khaiyum; current legal status (on bail, no overseas travel); date of next hearing; location of court.
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