By News Americas Staff Writer
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Sunday, November 8, 2026: Azruddin Mohamed, the jailed leader of the opposition in Guyana, has publicly articulated his grievances regarding the conditions at Lusignan Prison, specifically in Building 5, which he has described as “halfway to hell.”
In a comprehensive statement reported by Demerara Waves, Mohamed outlined over 30 specific issues he is facing as he remains on remand since October 30. The Guyana Prison Service has previously denied allegations of mistreatment.
Allegations of Unbearable Conditions
Mohamed’s claims highlight a range of serious concerns:
- Extreme heat and light: He notes the absence of a fan in his cell, referring to the environment as a “furnace,” compounded by an incessantly illuminated bulb that prevents adequate rest.
- Near-total lockdown: According to Mohamed, inmates are confined to their cells for approximately 23 hours and 50 minutes daily, with just 10 minutes allotted for bathing.
- Lack of natural light and timekeeping: The building is devoid of windows and clocks, resulting in disorientation regarding the time of day.
- Inhumane meal distribution: Meals are reportedly passed through a small opening in the cell door, leading Mohamed to assert that he and others are treated “like animals.”
- Shackled during hygiene routines: He describes showering while shackled, for five minutes, under surveillance from armed officers.
- Restricted family interaction: Family visits occur only weekly, with obtrusive monitoring, while outgoing calls are limited to one five-minute session per week.
- Neglect of religious needs: As a practicing Muslim, he notes the absence of halal food and the inability to attend Friday prayer services.
Claims of Targeted Treatment
Mohamed asserts he is isolated on the upper floor of the prison, citing remarks from other inmates suggesting that 17 prisoners were transferred from Building 5 shortly before his arrival, indicating a purposeful placement by prison authorities. He accused the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of attempting to “break me mentally” and stated that other inmates have suffered troubling consequences due to their confinement.
Furthermore, he expressed concern that the Minister of Home Affairs has never visited the facility and called for international human rights organizations, including the U.S. Embassy, and the United Nations, to monitor the situation.
Prison Authorities Respond
The Guyana Prison Service has dismissed claims of mistreatment as unfounded. They assert that Mohamed’s classification as a high-profile inmate comes with stringent security measures rather than punitive ones, and that protocols align with the UN’s Nelson Mandela Rules.
Official statements challenge the portrayal of conditions, citing records that indicate Mohamed has spent extensive time outside his cell. The Prison Service claimed that during his initial days, he did not voice any grievances and was granted family visits, medical care, and legal consultations.
In a recent court session, Attorney General Anil Nandlall presented a photograph of Mohamed’s cell, contending it is not solitary confinement. Justice Priscilla Chandra-Haniff expressed the expectation that the alleged conditions “do not exist” and that if they do, remedial actions will be taken.
Upcoming Judicial Proceedings
Mohamed is facing charges under the Cybercrime Act. The High Court is set to continue reviewing his bail application on Thursday, November 12, with a decision anticipated shortly thereafter. If bail is denied, he will remain detained until November 24.
Related Developments
No Bail Ruling Yet: Guyana’s opposition leader is expected to endure at least one more week of incarceration as the court’s deliberations regarding his living conditions intensify.
Discussion about this post