Police Not Qualified to Assess Medical Condition, Says Richard Naidu

Prominent lawyer Richard Naidu has raised concerns about police involvement in verifying the medical condition of former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who is currently seeking a variation of his bail conditions on medical grounds.

In a public comment posted on social media, Naidu wrote:

“Why do prosecutors think Police can go to a hospital to check a patient’s medical condition? If the defence applies to vary bail based on medical evidence, the prosecution must get its own medical evidence. Police aren’t qualified to give – or get – that.”

"The point is - Just because the last lot ignored the law when it suited them doesn’t mean those serving this government should," Naidu added later in a response to critics.

His remarks come amid growing public attention on Sayed-Khaiyum’s health and ongoing legal proceedings.

The former Attorney-General’s legal team has filed a formal request with the court to vary his bail conditions, allowing him to travel abroad for specialist medical treatment. According to his lawyers, Sayed-Khaiyum recently suffered a stroke and requires urgent attention that is not available in Fiji.

They argue that his current condition is serious and that local facilities are inadequate for both the diagnosis and treatment required.

Medical reports from private physicians have been submitted to support the application.

However, the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions has strongly contested this position.

The prosecution insists that Sayed-Khaiyum has not suffered a stroke and argues that he is fit to remain in the country and to stand trial as scheduled.

They have questioned the reliability of the medical reports provided by the defence, and reportedly sent police to confirm his condition.

Naidu questioned the legal appropriateness of using police to verify medical conditions—particularly when such verifications could impact a defendant’s fundamental rights to health and fair trial.

The case against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem involves allegations of abuse of office during their time in government.

He has denied any wrongdoing.