PROSECUTOR Glenn Hanoman told the court on Thursday that “solid evidence” supports the United States’ extradition request for Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, as he strongly rejected the defence’s argument that the proceedings are politically motivated.
Hanoman argued that the court must be guided by the applicable law and evidence and maintained that the father and son duo should face prosecution in the United States.
His submissions came as Senior Superintendent Prem Narine remained under cross-examination and the defence continued arguing that the United States is effectively acting on behalf of Guyana, which it claims is the true requesting state.
Hanoman rejected that characterisation and objected to suggestions concerning whether documents before the court, including the Authority to Proceed and supporting bundles, could have been fabricated or “prefabricated” by the United States.
The prosecutors also pushed back against another defence manoeuvre in the extradition proceedings involving the Mohameds, arguing that significant court time had already been spent on an issue the defence later sought to withdraw.
The dispute arose as Senior Superintendent arine remained under cross-examination at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Defence attorney Siand Dhurjon had pursued questioning aimed at supporting the defence’s contention that political considerations are connected to the extradition process. However, after extensive written submissions were filed, the defence indicated that it wanted to withdraw a particular question and approach the issue differently.
Hanoman objected, contending that the move amounted to an abuse of the court’s process given the time already devoted to the issue.
Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman said that the court, not either party, would determine the pace of the proceedings. “This court will control its own pace,” she said, while saying it is both unnecessary delay and rushing a complex matter.
The prosecution has repeatedly objected to aspects of the defence’s cross-examination on relevance and has raised concerns about the length of the proceedings. The defence maintains that its questioning is necessary to test the evidence and advance its claim of political motivation.
The Mohameds are the subjects of a United States extradition request arising from an indictment alleging offences including wire fraud and money laundering. Those allegations have not been determined by the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The committal proceedings are concerned with whether the legal requirements for extradition have been met, not whether the men are guilty of the alleged offences.
The hearing continues on September 21.
