State Granted Another Day to Finalise its Submissions

State Prosecution was given another day to finalise its submissions against the bail variation application entered by former Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Sayed-Khaiyum who is seeking the court’s approval to travel overseas for medical review, appeared before Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

During the court proceeding, State Prosecutor, Unaisi Ratukalou told the court they needed more time as they had just spoken to two urologists who would give their account on the procedures available locally to cater for his medical review.

In response to this, defense lawyer, Devanesh Sharma told the court, time was given to them on July 15 when acting assistant director of Public Prosecution, Laisani Tabuakuro pleaded for the same reason.

Mr Sharma questioned the State’s procedure in acquiring the affidavits of their submission.

He added this was an urgent matter that they needed to address and the constant adjournment given to the State is unacceptable.

In the last sitting, it was established that State would present the Investigation officer on the witness stand yesterday.

Magistrate Hamza, disappointed with the State’s request, told Ms Ratukalou that they were holding the matter from proceeding.

She said it was unfair on the defense because now time will also be given to them to respond to that affidavit.

The court granted the State before close of business yesterday to file their submissions.

The court will sit again at 12pm today for the bail hearing.

This is after the substantive matter before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad has already been dealt with at 11.30pm.

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