–as police witness, prosecutor cite safety concerns

CHIEF Magistrate Judy Latchman, on Friday, again warned Hana Mohamed, the sister of Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed and daughter of businessman Nazar Mohamed, against making Facebook posts concerning matters related to the extradition proceedings.

The issue arose during the testimony of Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine, head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch Unit. Narine told the court that he considered the post made from the “Hana Khamelia” account to be threatening and defamatory, and indicated that he had been the subject of posts from the account.

The senior cop noted that he fears for his life and the safety of his family.

The Chief Magistrate’s warning followed Hana’s summons to court over a Facebook post allegedly made from the “Hana Khamelia” account and relating to the ongoing extradition proceedings.

While seated in the courtroom, Hana was called before the bench by Magistrate Latchman, who questioned her about whether she was responsible for the post.

“Where is Miss Hana?” Magistrate Latchman asked, before instructing her to come forward.

The Chief Magistrate then asked Hana whether she was responsible for the social media post. “Now, Miss Hana, you posted that on Facebook?”

Hana did not respond to the question, explaining that her lawyer had instructed her to “stay silent.”

The Chief Magistrate cautioned Hana against making any further social media posts, telling her: “Please kindly stop posting. If you are doing it, you need to stop it. Ok. I don’t want to see any more posts coming out of from Miss Hana.”

Chief Magistrate Latchman told Hana that if she knew who was responsible for the Facebook post, she should advise that person to stop making such posts.

She also urged that person to do the right thing by apologising to Senior Superintendent Narine.

The defence, led by Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, challenged Narine’s characterisation of their clients, noting that the Special Branch Unit chief had described the Mohameds as “dangerous people” who were “capable of anything.”

Prosecuting attorney, Glenn Hanoman also raised concerns about posts appearing on the Facebook account, telling the court that he believed Hana Khamelia was “obsessed” with him.

Hanoman also highlighted the Facebook account’s posts, describing them as “vile” and accusing Hana of “misconstruing the evidence” presented in court.

He told the court that he was worried about the posts, stating, “Hana Khamelia mentions me almost every day. I don’t want her husband to come after me.”

The Chief Magistrate warned that persons should refrain from making posts or comments on social media about matters before the court. She also urged the lawyers to advise family members of the Mohameds against engaging in such conduct.

Chief Magistrate Latchman, nonetheless, urged the parties not to be distracted by Facebook posts, stressing that their focus should remain on what is presented and said in court, as that constitutes the evidence before the court.

Friday’s warning was not the first time Hana has faced criticism from the court over her social media activity surrounding the extradition proceedings.

On March 13, Chief Magistrate Latchman warned Hana against posting sensitive information from the extradition hearing online. A month later, on April 16, the Supreme Court cleared members of its judicial staff after Hana falsely linked them to the State’s legal team in a social media post concerning the case.

The Supreme Court underscored the need for accuracy when making public statements, particularly those concerning the judiciary, warning that misinformation of this nature could erode public confidence in the justice system.

The Supreme Court also noted that Hana subsequently corrected the inaccurate statement.

Narine’s evidence forms part of the prosecution’s case in the extradition proceedings against Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed, who are wanted by the United States to face an 11-count federal indictment.

The U.S. allegations include wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering and other related offences arising from an alleged scheme to evade taxes and royalties on Guyanese gold exports.

The extradition hearing is expected to continue on Monday, September 7, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.