Judge steps aside in high-profile case over conflict of interest

A High Court judge has stepped aside from presiding over a high-profile case involving former Attorney-General and Minister for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, after declaring a personal family connection to one of the accused.

Justice Aruna Aluthge recused himself from the matter in the Lautoka High Court yesterday and transferred the case to Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone, citing a potential conflict of interest.

The judge disclosed that his daughter is a close friend of the accused’s daughter, with both attending the same school on Drasa Avenue.

The case involves Sayed-Khaiyum, who faces 11 counts each of unlawful carriage of firearms on an aircraft, receiving a corrupt benefit, breach of trust by a person employed in the public service, and abuse of office.

Former Fiji Airways executive general manager corporate affairs Shaenaz Voss faces three counts of giving a corrupt benefit.

Additionally, Voss, Fiji Airways general manager safety, security and quality Sharun Ali, and Fiji Link face five counts of breach of mandatory reporting of security occurrences and three counts of breach of airline security.

The charges are filed under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994, and the Crimes Act 2009.

The trio appeared before Justice Aluthge in the Lautoka High Court.

Lawyers Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima appeared for Sayed-Khaiyum and Voss, while Wasu Pillay represented Ali. Priti Varma appeared on behalf of Fiji Link.

The court was told that the prosecution sought 21 days to file information on the matter.

Justice Aluthge, before formally stepping down, said he would not hear the case due to the personal connection.

The matter has now been assigned to Justice Vodokisolomone and will be recalled on May 19.

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