Sayed-Khaiyum, former Fiji Airways executives to plead on July 10

Former Attorney-General and Minister for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, together with two former Fiji Airways executives and Fiji Link, will enter pleas next month over charges linked to the alleged unlawful carriage of firearms on an aircraft and a series of aviation security-related offences.

Sayed-Khaiyum, former Fiji Airways general managers Shaenaz Voss and Sharun Ali appeared before Justice Riyaz Hamza at the High Court in Lautoka yesterday.

Sayed-Khaiyum faces 11 counts 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.

Voss faces three counts of giving a corrupt benefit, while Ali faces 11 counts of giving a corrupt benefit.

In addition, Voss, Ali and Fiji Airways, trading as Fiji Link, face five counts of breach of mandatory reporting of security occurrences and three counts of breach of airline security.

The charges have been laid under the Civil Aviation (Security) Act 1994, the Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations 1994 and the Crimes Act 2009.

Lawyer Gul Fatima appeared for Sayed-Khaiyum and Voss. Wasu Pillay represented Ali, while Nilesh Prasad appeared for Fiji Link.

Justice Hamza queried whether a company representative, in addition to legal counsel, should be present in the dock to satisfy requirements relating to corporate criminal responsibility under the relevant provisions of the law.

Ms Fatima said the company's general manager and the chief operating officer for subsidiary and emerging businesses would represent the company in court.

It was agreed that the individual authorised by the company, rather than legal counsel, would enter the plea on behalf of the corporate entity.

Prosecution, represented by Emi Cabemaiwai, confirmed that information and disclosures had been filed, and discussions were held regarding the timing of the plea.

Ms Fatima suggested that pleas for the first and second accused persons could be taken yesterday. However, the court preferred that the matter proceed before Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone for plea narration.

All parties agreed to July 10 as the date for plea, and bail was extended for all accused until then.