-Senior Mohamed hospitalised

-by Kimberley Giddings

The high-profile extradition proceedings involving businessman turned politician Azruddin Mohamed have been abruptly halted once again.

The Magistrate’s Court today adjourned the matter after it was revealed that his father, Nazar Mohamed, has been hospitalised and is undergoing emergency medical treatment.

In light of his absence, defence attorney Siand Dhurjon sought the court’s permission for an adjournment during Monday morning’s hearing before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman. Azruddin Mohamed was present in court for the proceedings.

Speaking with the media in the absence of lead prosecutor Terrence Williams, member of the prosecution team Glen Hanoman explained that Williams was unable to attend court this morning. Hanoman added that the prosecution is hopeful Nazar Mohamed will be able to make a virtual appearance when the matter resumes.

“I think the law allows for that and I think it’s a very good solution, if he needs to rest, I think it can be accommodated like that to the court and I would ask for that to happen,” he said.

Hanoman told the media the prosecution has reviewed medical documents indicating that Nazar Mohamed’s condition worsened on Monday.

He explained that extradition matters operate under a different legal process. Since July 2024, traditional preliminary inquiries have been replaced by paper committal proceedings, which allow cases to continue even if an accused person is absent. Under the previous system, the accused had to be present in court to hear testimony and witness depositions being signed.

However, Hanoman noted that under the current law, if an accused person is ill and consents to being represented by an attorney in court, the matter can still proceed.

“I don’t think that the lawyer for Mr. Mohamed may have been able to get his consent to appear for him today in his absence but it would be helpful if that lawyer request that consent in time for the next set of proceedings,” Hanoman explained.

Principal Magistrate Latchman proposed February 16 as a report date, which the defence accepted. The next hearing is expected to provide an update on the status of the extradition proceedings. In court on Monday, prosecutor Glen Hannoman also noted that each delay in the matter results in additional costs to the State.

Just last Thursday, the defence had requested another adjournment, citing Azruddin Mohamed’s parliamentary obligations and a migraine. Attorneys argued that Mohamed, who was recently sworn in as an Opposition Leader, needed to attend sittings of the National Assembly and asked that the case be halted.

Magistrate Latchman rejected that request, and the matter was set to proceed with the calling of witnesses. The defence team has, on several previous occasions, sought adjournments in the ongoing extradition case before the Magistrate’s Court.