Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum suffers stroke, bail variation hearing adjourned

The bail variation hearing for the former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has been adjourned as he is suffering from a stroke and heart problem.

Defence counsel, Gul Fatima informed Chief Justice Salesi Temo about Sayed-Khaiyum's condition this morning.

Fatima says he collapsed on Monday and is currently admitted at the Lautoka Aspen Hospital.

She says Sayed-Khaiyum was examined yesterday and is unfit for court proceedings.

Fatima says a discharge date has not been indicated because he will be reassessed in two weeks.

She says a number of tests need to be done.

The defence counsel has informed the court that they have received the DPP's affidavit and they are seeking time to respond.

His presence was excused after the medical certificate was presented.

Acting Director for Public Prosecutions, Nancy Tikoisuva didn't object to adjournment and Sayed-Khaiyum's absence.

Chief Justice Salesi Temo says that Sayed-Khaiyum should go to Heart International, however, the defence counsel replied by saying that they had referred him to Lautoka Aspen Hospital as they don't do admissions.

Chief Justice Temo says if Sayed-Khaiyum has serious heart problems then he should go to Pacific Specialist Hospital as they have some success stories.

He has wished Sayed-Khaiyum a speedy recovery.

His trial date is set for 15th September to 3rd October.

Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with abuse of office while former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit.

It is alleged that Sayed-Khaiyum between June 30th and July 12th in 2022, whilst being the Acting Prime Minister, signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and the then Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem and that the approval for the government to pay the taxes of Mohammed Saneem was done without the proper approval of the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President of Fiji.

It is alleged that between the 1st of June 2022 and the 31st of July 2022, while being employed as the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem without lawful authority and reasonable excuse, asked for and obtained a benefit for himself, that is the approval and payment/waiver of tax of more than $55,000 that was charged on his back pay as a Supervisor of Elections.