The extradition hearing involving businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, faced another potential delay on Thursday after their lawyers asked Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman to stay her hand until they obtain clarification from the Court of Appeal.

The request came as the prosecution was prepared to resume the proceedings, which commenced on January 6 but have been stalled since March 25.

The prosecution, led by Terrence Williams, KC, had Inspector Prem Narine ready to testify, while Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, was available to be cross examined.

Williams urged the court to allow the matter to proceed.

However, the defence team, comprising Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde and attorneys Damien Da Silva and Siand Dhurjon, pointed to a recent Court of Appeal order which they said has left them in a “crisis of clarity.”

The order allows the extradition proceedings to continue but prevents Latchman from making a final ruling in the matter.

The issue stems from a constitutional challenge to provisions of the Fugitive Offenders Act currently before the Court of Appeal.

The defence claims that the constitutional proceedings have implications for the extradition case.

Forde and his colleagues said they intend to write the Court of Appeal seeking clarity and directions on the scope and implications of its order.

The United States is seeking the extradition of the Mohameds to face federal charges linked to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

US prosecutors allege that the men used falsified customs declarations and reused government export seals to conceal the quantity and value of gold exported from Guyana and evade taxes and royalties.

More details to follow.