THE high-profile firearms case involving former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and three co-accused has been scheduled for a three-week trial starting July 1, 2027.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum faces charges relating to the 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 and Fiji Airways general manager safety, security and quality Sharun Ali face charges relating to giving a corrupt benefit.
Ms Voss, Mr Ali and Fiji Airways, trading as Fiji Link also face charges relating to the mandatory reporting of security occurrences and airline security.
During a pretrial conference in the High Court in Lautoka yesterday, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro pressed for the long-running matter to be expedited.
Following discussions between State and defence counsels, trial dates were fixed for July 1 to 23.
The State intends to call up to 29 witnesses, including officers from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), Republic of Fiji Military Forces, police and airline staff.
The witness list may be condensed to between 20 and 25 people.
Ms Tabuakuro alleged in court that Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, as the former Minister for Civil Aviation, was aware of CAAF laws and regulations requiring authorisation before carrying firearms on an aircraft.
She also told the court that he allegedly took firearms on board and that his bodyguards boarded armed, leading to charges of receiving a corrupt benefit and abuse of office.
The court heard that airline staff allegedly contacted Mr Ali whenever Mr Sayed-Khaiyum boarded an aircraft and that Ms Voss authorised the carriage of weapons.
Gul Fatima represented Mr Sayed-Khaiyum and Ms Voss while Ronald Gordon represented Mr Ali, and Nilesh Prasad appeared for Fiji Airways trading as Fiji Link.
Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone adjourned the matter to February 4, 2027, for a further pretrial conference.
