Extradition proceedings involving the Mohameds, Nazar, and his son Azruddin will adjourn for three days when the session on Wednesday concludes, as illness, religious observance, and conflicting court commitments again disrupt the high-profile committal hearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
When the matter resumed on Wednesday before Magistrate Judy Latchman, the absence of defence attorneys Siand Dhurjon and Damien DaSilva threatened to delay the continuation of the cross-examination of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards.
Dhurjon, who represents Nazar Mohamed, was a no-show in court. Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, appearing for Azruddin Mohamed, told the magistrate he had only just received a message indicating Dhurjon would not attend. He later confirmed that Dhurjon was ill and had notified the court clerk, though it remains unclear when he will be fit to return.
Despite the absence, Magistrate Latchman ordered that the proceedings continue.
Faced with proceeding without legal representation, Nazar Mohamed expressed uncertainty, telling the court, “Your Honour, I don’t know what to do.”
However, the magistrate ruled that the hearing could move forward, noting that Forde would handle the cross-examination of the witness and that Nazar Mohamed’s direct involvement at this stage was minimal.
Further complicating the proceedings, Forde informed the court that attorney Damien DaSilva is dealing with a family matter and may have to withdraw from the case entirely.
The prosecution, led by attorney Glen Hanoman, raised concerns about repeated disruptions, urging the court to guard against potential abuse of its processes.
Hanoman suggested that the matter proceed with a new witness and questioned what he described as inconsistencies in the defence’s position.
Forde, however, emphasized that the delays were not tactical but stemmed from legitimate circumstances, including the observance of Eid by the Mohamed family. He explained that both Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed have long observed the Islamic fast and consider Eid to be the most significant religious occasion.
“They have been fasting for 28 days, and this is the culmination,” Forde told the court, noting that Nazar Mohamed has observed the practice for over 50 years.
“It is well known that Muslims do not work on that day. We are here at your mercy—this is a very special and important day,” the father and son told the court.
Magistrate Latchman acknowledged the importance of respecting religious beliefs while also balancing the need for the case to proceed efficiently.
Additionally, Forde disclosed that he has prior commitments in the High Court and Court of Appeal on Thursday and the following Monday, further limiting his availability.
Taking all factors into account—illness, religious observance, and scheduling conflicts—the magistrate ruled that after Wednesday’s session, the matter would be adjourned until Tuesday, March 23.
She cautioned, however, that no further delays would be tolerated. “If anything else arises, the accused will have to represent himself,” Latchman warned.
Hanoman also suggested that Azruddin Mohamed consider retaining additional legal counsel to avoid future interruptions.
The hearing continues with testimony from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Permanent Secretary, focusing on official correspondence records relevant to the extradition request.
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