United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, has rejected claims that the extradition case against U.S-indicted businessman Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin is politically motivated, stressing that the charges are grounded in strong evidence and due legal process.
Speaking during the SOURCES programme on Sunday, Ambassador Theriot addressed growing assertions by the Mohameds that the extradition request is driven by political influence and could destabilise Guyana’s political landscape.
“The United States does not pursue criminal charges for political reasons. We do it because we have hard, unequivocal evidence against a person,” Theriot stated.
She added that pursuing a weak case would be counterproductive.
“Why would we take on a case we don’t think we’re going to win? That’s just a waste of US taxpayers’ money. So we firmly believe that they are guilty of the crimes they have been indicted for.”
The Ambassador underscored that the matter is now entirely in the hands of Guyana’s judicial system.
“It’s in the Guyanese Judiciary’s hands at this point… we are ready to move forward,” she said.
While acknowledging concerns about potential political fallout, Theriot expressed hope that the situation would not lead to instability.
“I hope that destabilisation doesn’t occur. That would be really tragic, because we’re simply holding people that we believe are guilty of a crime accountable.”
She also hinted that the alleged wrongdoing extends beyond U.S. taxpayers.
“It’s not just the United States taxpayers that were defrauded… I’ll just leave it at that.”
Theriot was explicit in distancing both governments from claims of political interference.
“It is our indictment — the US government’s indictment. The Government of Guyana did not indict the Mohameds, and I can assure you that there’s nothing political about it from the US side.”
She further emphasised that all actions taken by U.S. authorities are guided strictly by law.
“Things are being done by the book, based on the law, and certainly not politically motivated from our side.”
The Ambassador’s latest remarks build on earlier statements in which she reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the extradition process.
Speaking last week on the sidelines of the Guyana Energy Conference, Theriot said the United States remains fully invested in seeing the case through.
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