Court grants bail to doctor charged over Facebook posts

A medical doctor charged with allegedly causing harm through electronic communication after making Facebook posts about the Ba Football Association has been granted bail by the Lautoka Magistrates Court.

Dr Abdal Muizz Shaheed appeared before Resident Magistrate Semi Babitu today charged with one count of causing harm by posting electronic communications.

It is alleged that between January 1 and February 16, 2026, Dr Shaheed uploaded posts on his Facebook account concerning Praneel Dayal, making allegations about a lack of due process and good governance within the Ba Football Association committee.

The prosecution alleges the posts were made with the intent to cause harm to Mr Dayal.

Dr Shaheed was represented by defence lawyer Ronald Gordon, who sought about 40 minutes to review the disclosure materials and prepare his client's plea. The court granted the request.

The defence maintained Dr Shaheed's innocence and sought clarification on the legal basis of the charge.

The prosecution formally presented the charge, outlining the allegations relating to the social media posts. Dr Shaheed confirmed he understood the charge.

Mr Gordon told the court he had initially considered the matter relatively minor and expressed surprise when the prosecution indicated it intended to seek the transfer of the case to the High Court.

The charge is understood to have been laid under Section 24(1)(1A), which carries a maximum penalty of a $20,000 fine, five years' imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.

Dr Shaheed was granted bail, and the matter was adjourned until July 17 for further proceedings.