Anare Vuli Cilicewa, who is facing murder charges, has opted to withdraw his application for bail while awaiting completion of his psychiatric evaluation at Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital. Cilicewa appeared in front of High Court Judge Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu in Suva today, facing one count of murder in connection with the death of Sabreen Shahib Ali, allegedly occurring on September 9, 2024, in Raiwaqa, Suva.
During the court proceedings, Cilicewa’s lawyer, Manisha Singh, explained that her client was aware that the bail application could not be processed until the psychiatric report is finalized. She further noted that the principal medical officer at Saint Giles needs to be informed of the charges against Cilicewa to perform a thorough evaluation.
Justice Bulamainaivalu emphasized the importance of providing the necessary disclosures to the medical professional without breaching confidentiality. He suggested that the lawyer arrange a meeting with Dr. Kiran Gaikwad to furnish him with the pertinent information.
In addition, State Prosecutor Zenith Zunaid revealed that the police have begun preparing additional disclosure documents. He also noted that the preliminary autopsy report indicated signs of strangulation and choking.
The case has been scheduled for review on December 3, at which point the court will examine the psychiatric report.
This situation underscores the challenging intersection of mental health evaluations and the legal proceedings that accompany serious criminal charges. As the court strives to ensure a fair process for the accused, it is hoped that a thorough psychiatric assessment will provide clarity and contribute to a just resolution of the case.
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