A bail variation hearing for Fiji’s former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has been adjourned after he was admitted to hospital following a reported stroke.
Sayed-Khaiyum, who is facing corruption-related charges alongside former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem, was due to appear in the High Court in Suva today.
His lawyers informed the court that he had collapsed two days earlier and remains hospitalised. Chief Justice Salesi Temo wished him a speedy recovery, “so we can get on with the trial”.
Lawyers Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima told the court that Sayed-Khaiyum had suffered a stroke and has underlying heart problems. They said he would undergo a series of tests, and that no discharge date had been confirmed. A medical certificate presented to the court stated that he was unfit to travel or attend court.
He was initially treated at the Heart Hospital before being transferred to Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital. He is expected to be reassessed in two weeks.
In recording the events that transpired in court, Chief Justice Temo stated that the bail hearing was being postponed because Sayed-Khaiyum “appears unwell” — a condition verified by a medical certificate presented in court.
The defence also sought additional time to respond to an affidavit filed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which opposed a bail application for Sayed-Khaiyum to travel overseas for medical treatment.
That affidavit referenced assessments by three doctors who reviewed an earlier media report and concluded that Sayed-Khaiyum had been well at the time.
Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva did not oppose today’s adjournment in light of the new developments.
The case has been adjourned to 10:30 am on August 1, when the court is expected to receive an update on Sayed-Khaiyum’s health and the defence’s response to the ODPP’s affidavit.
Sayed-Khaiyum and Saneem are charged with abuse of office and receiving a corrupt benefit. The charges relate to a July 2022 decision in which Sayed-Khaiyum, while acting as Prime Minister, allegedly authorised the payment of over $55,000 in taxes owed by Saneem, without proper approvals.
The trial is scheduled to run from 15 September to 3 October 2025. Bail for both men has been extended.
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