Dear Editor,
The latest delay in the extradition proceedings involving businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, is sickening and deeply troubling.
The Mohameds and their legal team appear to be exploiting a dangerous soft spot within our judiciary, using repeated procedural requests to prolong the proceedings, consume valuable judicial time and frustrate the timely administration of justice. With every adjournment granted, public confidence is further tested and the perception of preferential treatment becomes more difficult to dismiss.
Media reports show that at Monday’s hearing, the defence requested additional time to examine a copy of the Official Secrets Act. This was the very document requested by the defence at the previous hearing in relation to the testimony of Head of the Special Branch, Senior Superintendent Prem Narine.
From all accounts, cross-examination of Narine was expected to continue. Instead, Defence Attorney Siand Dhurjon argued that the defence required more time to examine the legislation, questioned its applicability in Guyana and raised concerns about its credibility.
It is very interesting that media reports further suggested that Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie argued that the defence could continue questioning the witness in other areas while reviewing the document. Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman also questioned why the cross-examination could not proceed and reportedly agreed with the prosecutor’s point that Narine did not create the legislation and should not be questioned on the Act itself.
Yet another adjournment was granted.
How much longer will this be allowed to continue?
This extradition case has already travelled through the Magistrates’ Court, the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice, while the substantive hearing continues at a painfully slow pace. The delays continue to pile up.
The defence is entitled to represent its clients vigorously and pursue every protection available under the law. The court also has a responsibility to manage its proceedings firmly, impose reasonable timelines and prevent procedural requests from becoming instruments of endless delay.
All for your consideration
Todd A. Morgan