标签： Guyana

A heated legal debate has erupted in Guyana over the granting of bail to individuals awaiting extradition, following the case of Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed, who are wanted in the United States for alleged financial crimes. Attorney-at-Law Siand Dhurjon, representing the Mohameds, has challenged the claims made by Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin, who argued that bail should not be granted to fugitives due to constitutional prohibitions. Mr. Dhurjon countered that the High Court, under the Fugitive Offenders Act, has the authority to grant bail, and cited Section 3(1)(b) of the Bail Act, which explicitly allows bail in extradition cases. The Mohameds were each granted GY$150,000 bail by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday, pending the hearing of the US extradition request. Mr. Datadin referenced Article 139(i) of Guyana’s Constitution, which permits the loss of liberty in extradition proceedings, but Mr. Dhurjon pointed to precedents where bail was granted in similar cases, including Junior Da Silva’s extradition proceedings earlier this year. He also highlighted Section 15(2) of the Fugitive Offenders Act, which grants magistrates the power to remand or admit to bail in extradition cases. Attorney General Anil Nandlall emphasized that the next step is for the State to disclose the US-provided evidence to the defense lawyers, ensuring a fair hearing. The Mohameds, sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in June 2024 for alleged tax evasion on gold exports, are set to return to court on November 10, 2025. Mr. Nandlall dismissed claims of political motivation behind the case, asserting that the government has engaged Jamaican lawyers to ensure impartiality.

In a significant legal development, prominent Guyanese attorney Sanjeev Datadin emphasized that Guyana’s Constitution explicitly prohibits granting bail to individuals arrested for extradition purposes. Speaking on Saturday, Datadin highlighted Article 139(i) of the Constitution, which permits the deprivation of liberty in extradition proceedings, underscoring its alignment with judicial consistency. Datadin, who is set to assume his parliamentary seat for the governing People’s Progressive Party, criticized Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman’s decision to grant GY$150,000 bail to Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, as “most unusual.” The Mohameds were arrested based on a U.S. extradition warrant. Datadin argued that bail’s fundamental purpose—ensuring a defendant’s return to court—does not apply in extradition cases, as no criminal charges are being heard in Guyana. He also dismissed the defense’s claim of filing a constitutional challenge as irrelevant to the bail issue. Article 139(i) of Guyana’s Constitution explicitly authorizes the deprivation of liberty for extradition purposes, reinforcing Datadin’s stance. The Mohameds are scheduled to return to court on November 10, 2025, to address charges of wire fraud and mail fraud. Attorney General Anil Nandlall clarified that the next step involves disclosing U.S.-provided evidence to the defense, ensuring the magistrate’s satisfaction with the extradition request. Nandlall also refuted allegations of political motivation behind the case, emphasizing the involvement of Jamaican lawyers to ensure impartiality. The Mohameds were previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in June 2024 for allegedly evading $50 million in taxes on gold exports.

The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party remains steadfast in its strength and financial stability, even as its leader, Azruddin Mohamed, faces potential extradition to the United States on charges of fraud and money laundering. WIN General Secretary Odessa Primus expressed unwavering confidence in the party’s resilience during a statement on Friday. She emphasized that WIN boasts a roster of capable individuals who have effectively engaged with supporters, ensuring the party’s continued influence. While acknowledging Mohamed’s popularity as the party’s most gravitated figure, Primus dismissed concerns about WIN’s future viability. WIN, which emerged as Guyana’s major opposition party just three months after its formation, secured 16 of 65 parliamentary seats in the recent elections, surpassing the People’s National Congress Reform-led coalition. Primus labeled the U.S. grand jury indictment against Mohamed as politically motivated and assured that the party’s finances would remain unaffected by his potential extradition. She clarified that Mohamed’s legal battles would not impact WIN’s resources, stating, ‘They are going to extradite Azruddin Mohamed, not his money.’ Additionally, Primus ruled out the possibility of the opposition leadership being assumed by other parties, such as the 12-seat APNU or the one-seat Forward Guyana Movement. Meanwhile, APNU Chairman Aubrey Norton refrained from speculating on WIN’s future support base if Mohamed is extradited. Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, were arrested on Friday following a U.S. extradition request tied to alleged wire fraud and money laundering linked to gold shipments and luxury car purchases. Both were granted bail and are set to return to court on November 10, 2025, for an extradition hearing.

In a powerful address during the 60th anniversary religious service of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), President Irfaan Ali condemned the recent bombing of a Mobil gas station in Georgetown as an act of terrorism. The attack, carried out by a Venezuelan man on October 26, 2025, was described by the President as an attempt to sow fear and destabilize the nation. However, Ali emphasized the importance of not generalizing all immigrants as criminals, urging Guyanese to resist prejudice and discrimination. ‘Hatred is not the answer to hatred. Fear must not drive our national policy,’ he stated. The President reassured attendees, including military and police officials, that the government is intensifying its monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure compliance with the law while maintaining compassion for those in need. He affirmed Guyana’s commitment to being a vigilant yet compassionate nation. The suspect, allegedly linked to the ‘R’ Sindicato gang in Venezuela, entered Guyana illegally and conducted surveillance before the bombing. Authorities are considering terrorism charges, which carry the death penalty, alongside other serious offenses. President Ali vowed to uncover the motive behind the attack, pledging to support law enforcement in maintaining peace and justice.

Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed were granted bail on Friday, October 31, 2025, despite a U.S. extradition request accusing them of wire fraud, money laundering, and gold smuggling. The duo, arrested earlier that day, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in Georgetown, Guyana. The U.S. government, represented by lawyer Terrence Williams via Zoom, opposed bail, citing allegations of an ‘international criminal enterprise’ with connections to Venezuela and the Middle East. Williams claimed the Mohameds could flee to Venezuela, where they allegedly have property and ties to high-ranking officials. However, defense lawyers Nigel Hughes and Siand Dhurjon argued that these allegations were baseless and unsubstantiated. Magistrate Latchman granted each defendant GY$150,000 bail, requiring them to surrender their passports and report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station. The case is set to continue on November 10, 2025, to determine if sufficient evidence exists for extradition. Outside the courtroom, Azruddin Mohamed denied all charges, accusing the Guyana government of colluding with the U.S. to prevent him from assuming his role as Opposition Leader. The defense team also raised constitutional concerns, hinting at potential appeals to the Constitutional Court.

In a dramatic turn of events, Azruddin Mohamed, the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, was arrested on Friday, October 31, 2025, just days before his anticipated election as Guyana’s next opposition leader. The arrest was made in response to an extradition request by the United States, where Mohamed and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, face 11 charges related to fraud and money laundering. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond confirmed the arrests to Demerara Waves Online News, though the Guyana Police Force has remained tight-lipped about the details. Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, Aubrey Norton, emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures in this high-profile case. The arrest has sent shockwaves through Guyana’s political landscape, raising questions about the future of the WIN party and the opposition’s leadership.