By NEWS AMERICAS STAFF WRITER
News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Weds. Nov. 4, 2026: Azruddin Mohamed, the leader of the opposition in Guyana, will continue to remain incarcerated as the High Court postponed its ruling regarding his bail application until next Thursday, November 12. A judgment is anticipated the following day, although the possibility of his release remains uncertain. Should bail be denied, Mohamed is set to stay on remand until November 24.
High Court Proceedings Overview
Justice Priscilla Chandra-Haniff highlighted deficiencies in the bail application submitted by Mohamed’s mother, Bonita Mohamed. The judicial review concerns a decision made by the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court to deny bail. The application includes the Director of Public Prosecutions, Magistrate Abigail Gibbs, and the Attorney General as named respondents.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall contested the affidavit supporting the application, describing it as overly lengthy, containing inadmissible hearsay, and filled with inappropriate material. He criticized the document as poorly drafted, requesting the removal of several specific paragraphs. Nandlall emphasized the need for due process and that the state would not be rushed into a decision.
In response, defense attorneys Roysdale Forde and Siand Dhurjon argued that the prosecution was attempting to delay proceedings. Dhurjon pointed out that strict evidentiary standards do not fully apply in bail hearings, urging the court to consider Mohamed’s right to liberty in managing timelines. The judge allowed Mohamed to file a personal affidavit, with the prosecution given until November 6 to present objections, and the defense required to respond by November 8.
Conditions of Detention
Debate over Mohamed’s treatment while in custody took prominence in court. Forde claimed that Mohamed was held in conditions akin to solitary confinement for most of the day, asserting that this treatment was excessive and unlawful. Dhurjon characterized the lighting conditions within his cell as “psychological abuse,” urging for his transfer.
However, Nandlall refuted these claims, stating that Mohamed was held in a specially designed high-profile cell and provided photographic evidence to support his assertion. The Guyana Prison Service also countered allegations of poor treatment, indicating that official logs showed Mohamed was not only unharmed but engaged with family and received adequate medical and legal attention.
Justice Chandra-Haniff expressed her hope that the alleged harsh conditions were not present, yet she remained cautious about moving Mohamed into the main prison population for safety concerns.
When Dhurjon suggested that fellow inmates would be welcoming towards Mohamed, Nandlall dismissed this assertion as “irrational and reckless.”
Background of Charges
Mohamed, alongside 20-year-old Police Constable Ryan Greene, was remanded on October 30 after facing charges related to the Cybercrime Act. They are accused of illicitly obtaining CCTV footage related to a shooting incident on October 12 in return for a payment of $800,000. If found guilty, they each face significant fines and lengthy prison sentences.
The incident revolves around an October 12 shooting at a vehicle carrying Mohamed and his associates, allegedly perpetrated by Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, head of the police Special Branch. The incident prompted a police investigation after footage was revealed during a press conference.
Narine’s role is further complicated by an extradition request from the United States, which involves both Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed. While Mohamed is out on bail for this extradition matter, he faces additional charges related to firearm possession and attempting to obstruct justice. Proceedings regarding his bail situation will resume on November 12.
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