The State is set to considerably decrease the number of charges against former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and three other defendants linked to violations of civil aviation laws pertaining to the unauthorized carriage of firearms on aircraft.
During a recent session at the High Court in Lautoka, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro informed Justice Sunil Sharma that the current 66 charges would be reduced to approximately 30 counts. This adjustment aims to streamline the legal proceedings and facilitate the scheduling of a trial date promptly.
The case connects Sayed-Khaiyum, alongside former Fiji Airways executive Shaenaz Voss, Fiji Airways general manager Sharun Ali, and Fiji Airlines, operating under Fiji Link. Last Friday marked the initial court appearance since the case was moved from the Nadi Magistrate’s Court, with Justice Sharma presiding over the proceedings.
The prosecution has proposed to file the amended information by March 20, allowing the defense adequate time to understand the revised charges and related evidence prior to a court appearance for plea in April. Tabuakuro has expressed a desire for the trial to commence by August, seeking to resolve the matter within the current year.
While the defense counsel, Gul Fatima representing Sayed-Khaiyum, and Wasu Pillay for Voss, have agreed to the adjournment, Fatima mentioned that specific trial dates would hinge on the availability of all counsels involved.
Justice Sharma has transferred the case file to Justice Aruna Aluthge for further proceedings, with the next court date set for April 14 for plea. This development reflects a significant procedural movement in the high-profile case, offering a clear trajectory towards resolution in the upcoming months.