Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has had his bid to travel to Singapore for an urgent medical assessment refused by the High Court in Suva. Chief Justice Salesi Temo delivered the ruling on the variation of bail this morning, denying the request to permit overseas medical travel.
Sayed-Khaiyum appeared in court for the bail-variation proceedings, with his wife, his brother Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and other relatives in attendance. He is charged with abuse of office in connection with payments said to have been made to former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem. The state is represented by Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva, and Sayed-Khaiyum is defended by Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima of RP Patel Lawyers.
The court noted that, while Sayed-Khaiyum has previously received medical treatment for heart and kidney issues, there is debate over whether overseas treatment is necessary or urgent. Earlier discussions in similar matters have emphasized that local medical facilities can provide adequate post-treatment care, and that bail alterations require special or compelling circumstances not previously considered. The defence had argued options under the Bail Act, but today’s ruling maintains the focus on keeping the accused available for trial.
The prosecution states that the trial for the abuse-of-office charges is scheduled to begin on September 15. The case remains in active progress as both sides prepare for the next stage of proceedings.
Takeaways and context:
– This decision continues a pattern in this high-profile case of strict scrutiny over requests to travel abroad for medical reasons while on bail.
– The charges against Sayed-Khaiyum include six counts of abuse of office and seven counts of obstructing the course of justice related to a Deed of Variation and Addendum involving the Government and the former Supervisor of Elections.
– The outcome underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on maintaining court attendance and minimizing disruption to the judicial process, even in the context of health concerns.
Summary: The High Court in Suva has denied Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s bail-variation request to travel to Singapore for urgent medical assessment, keeping his trial schedule on track with a September 15 start date for the abuse-of-office case. The decision reflects ongoing tension between health needs and ensuring trial integrity, with local medical capacity cited as sufficient for follow-up care where appropriate.
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