Defense attorneys representing businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar Mohamed today argued in court that the United States is targeting the pair because of their public support for Palestinians, marking a shift in the narrative surrounding the case.
Attorney Siand Dhurjon, appearing on behalf of the Mohameds, told the court that the actions taken by U.S. authorities against his clients stem from their political views and public demonstrations in support of Palestine.
“Their political views, which have triggered their extradition, are those of… It has been known that the Mohameds have organized parades in support of the Palestinian side of the war,” Dhurjon stated while presenting arguments before the court.
The lawyer made the remarks as he pressed for a request seeking disclosure from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of contracts signed with American lobbying firms hired by the Government of Guyana.
The claims raised in court represent a notable shift from earlier assertions made by the Mohameds and their legal team. Previously, they had contended that the PPP/C administration was conspiring with two separate U.S. administrations in an effort to persecute the father and son.
The latest argument, however, centers on the claim that their advocacy for Palestinians and organization of public demonstrations in support of the Palestinian cause may have contributed to the actions taken against them by U.S. authorities.
No evidence was presented in court to substantiate either of the allegations.
The legal challenges facing the Mohameds stem from indictments filed by authorities in the United States, which accuse Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed of involvement in a large-scale gold smuggling scheme and related financial offences, including the alleged evasion of taxes and customs duties. Based on those charges, U.S. authorities have also submitted a formal request for the extradition of the father and son so they can face the allegations before an American court.