–as Mohamed extradition case stalls
-by Kimberly Giddings
Prosecutor Glenn Hanoman is calling for a “reset” in the high-profile extradition case involving Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed, warning that the proceedings are in danger of “bordering on becoming a circus.”
The matter continued today at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where delays and legal arguments dominated the hearing.
During the hearing, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, remained under cross-examination by defence attorney Roysdale Forde.
The court also admitted into evidence an official diplomatic response from the United States—referred to as Note 458. The document states that while the U.S. is not obligated under the extradition treaty to give such assurances, it confirmed that the Mohameds would not be re-extradited to any third country for offences committed before their extradition without Guyana’s consent.
Roopchand-Edwards reaffirmed that position in court.
However, Hanoman argued that the defence is straying beyond the scope of the Magistrate’s authority. He stressed that under the Fugitive Offenders Act, the court’s role is limited.
“Her job, her remit under the Fugitive offenders act, is really only to determine three issues. One, whether this is an extraditable offence, the second issue is whether the evidence is sufficient and the third issue, a very limited one, is whether there was some political opinion offered by the Azruddin Mohamed, that would have maliciously caused the United States government to request his accommodation,” Hanoman explained.
A defence attorney, Siand Dhurjon, failed to appear in court this morning. Attorney Roysdale Forde told the court Dhurjon was ill and that he only received the update shortly before proceedings began.
Forde, who represents Azruddin Mohamed, also said he will be unavailable on Thursday and next Monday due to other commitments, and cannot represent both defendants on those dates.
The Mohameds also requested time to observe Eid, and Magistrate Judy Latchman rescheduled the extradition proceedings for four consecutive days, March 24 to 27.
Prosecutor Glenn Hanoman raised concerns about repeated delays, suggesting attempts to stall the case.
“It is highly unusual for senior counsel, a man who has always represented the team, is now saying that he is not in the position to hold the matter. So all of that proves in my view that all sorts of shenanigans are going to go on to try to achieve delays and I expect various persons are going to fall in on the defence side whether the lawyer or the fugitive offender,” he said.
The case will resume on Tuesday, March 24 with cross-examination of Roopchand-Edwards. Other witnesses are also expected to take the stand in these proceedings.