Guyana: Criminal Charges Against Opposition Leader A Test Of Legal System’s Integrity

By Albert Baldeo

The newly circulated CCTV footage concerning the October 12 shooting involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed raises grave questions and potential criminal liabilities, regarding Senior Superintendent Prem Narine’s and his accomplices’ conduct. Reporting describes footage appearing to show him firing at a passing car without taking cover. That apparent contradiction, and other inconsistencies of the police account demands an immediate, independent criminal investigation.

Indeed, this video presents fundamental contradictions that must urgently be considered in the interest of justice, further prosecution of the firearm charges against Guyana Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his employees-driver Mario Mohamed and chief security officer Eugene Thorne, and their continued remand. 

This is a crisis, and the faith and  integrity of our justice system will be severely tested, nationally, regionally and internationally.  The Director of Public Prosecutions should independently review the charges and discontinue any that cannot be supported, as seems to be the case here. Fundamentally infirm charges and/or remand must never become a means of punishing, intimidating or silencing a political opponent.

I call for complete, lawful disclosure to the defense, including evidence that exculpate and/or assist the accused. Allegations of a planted firearm, fabricated accounts, perjury or interference with evidence must be rigorously investigated. Officers whose conduct is under investigation must have no control over that inquiry. Indeed, the Guyana Police Force must be recused on account of their conflict of interest. The original recordings, firearms, cartridge cases, vehicle and medical evidence must be preserved and independently examined.

Where the evidence supports attempted murder, misprision of felony, conspiracy or deliberate obstruction of justice, appropriate charges must follow. No rank, office or political connection should be shielded from  wrongdoing, or accountability. The rights of everyone coming into contact with Guyana’s justice system will be affected by this case.

Mr. Mohamed and his co-accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence, discovery of impeachment and exculpatory evidence and materials, and an impartial hearing. These developments mandate urgent reconsideration of their continued detention and release on appropriate bail.

The Government must secure, and preserve the evidence, protect witnesses and ensure investigators can act without interference. The law must be applied equally, and every proven offender held accountable, regardless of connections, rank and/or status.

Hon. Albert Baldeo
Community Leader and Judicial Delegate, Queens, New York
Former Magistrate, Senior State Counsel and State Prosecutor, Guyana