TWELVE Nepalese nationals were yesterday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Ann McLennan for departing Guyana, on November 15 at Charity, Essequibo, without first presenting themselves to an immigration officer.

Through an interpreter, each of the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, and Police Prosecutor, Dinero Jones told the court that they had all entered Guyana legally via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara and some of them were granted two weeks’ stay in Guyana whilst others were granted three weeks.

The court heard that they departed Guyana from Charity, Essequibo, but were arrested in Venezuela for not being in possession of Venezuelan visas, and were deported to Guyana.

The unrepresented men were eventually refused bail and the matter stands adjourned to December 11 for report.