“Rushed justice is crushed justice” – Chief Magistrate stresses need for careful handling of case 

 – case adjourned to Sep 21

Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday issued a strong assertion of judicial independence during the ongoing extradition proceedings involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, businessman Nazar Mohamed, making it clear that she will not allow the court to be dictated to by anyone.

 The Magistrate’s remarks came amid a dispute over the defence’s position that the extradition proceedings were allegedly politically motivated.
Defence attorneys Roysdale Forde, SC; Siand Dhurjon and Damien Da Silva had been pursuing a line of questioning aimed at advancing their contention that the extradition proceedings are politically motivated.
However, after extensive written submissions were filed, the defence indicated on Thursday that it wished to withdraw one particular question and pursue the issue from a different angle.
Prosecuting attorney Glenn Hanoman objected to the proposed change, arguing that it amounted to an abuse of the court’s process given the amount of time already spent addressing the issue.
The Chief Magistrate then interjected, asserting her authority over the proceedings and making it clear that the court would not be subjected to outside influence.
She went further, declaring that the court’s authority would not be subject to external influence.
“The court will never be controlled by any mortal being, only by divine intervention,” she noted.
Latchman also stressed that the court itself would determine how the proceedings are conducted.
She noted, “This court will control its own pace.”
Her comments came against the backdrop of a case she described as being of significant national importance. “Indeed, the matter is of grave national importance, and therefore it deserves quality attention and careful attention,” Latchman stressed.
She also pushed back against any suggestion that she needed to be reminded about the timeline surrounding the proceedings. “In any event, I am well aware of the timeline. I need no reminder of the timeline.”
While acknowledging the maxim that delays can undermine justice, Chief Magistrate Latchman said the opposite extreme could also have serious consequences. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” she said. “But again, we must also recognise that rushed justice is crushed justice.”

Describing the case as highly complex, she emphasised: “It›s very important. This is a very, very complicated matter with very complicated issues. It needs time and attention. And there›s absolutely no reason to rush.”
She warned that haste could result in errors, noting, “Because justice in haste gives rise to a risk of complications and mistakes.” “And we need to get it right. The court needs to get it right,” she emphasised.
The Chief Magistrate ended her remarks by again making her position clear: “And this court will not take orders within or outside. By no mortal being.”
The extradition proceedings are set to continue on September 21, 22, 28, and 29, with all four dates scheduled for full-day hearings.
The extradition proceedings against Mohamed and his father began on October 31, 2025, following a request by United States authorities for their extradition.
The substantive hearing commenced on January 6, 2026, with Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sharon Roopchand-Edwards becoming the first prosecution witness.
Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine, head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch, subsequently became the second prosecution witness when the hearing resumed in September 2026.
Roopchand-Edwards has completed her evidence for now, with her further cross-examination deferred, while Narine is currently undergoing cross-examination by the defence.

 The prosecution is expected to call additional witnesses as the extradition proceedings continue.
Both Mohameds were granted $150,000 bail each when they first appeared before Chief Magistrate Latchman, with conditions including surrendering their passports and reporting to the Ruimveldt Police Station every Friday.
The US is seeking the extradition of the Mohameds over allegations stemming from a multi-year scheme involving the evasion of taxes and royalties on gold exports, money laundering and wire fraud. US authorities alleged that falsified customs declarations and the reuse of Government export seals were used as part of the scheme, which allegedly resulted in approximately US$50 million in revenue losses to the Government of Guyana.
Both father and son were sanctioned by the US Government in 2024 and subsequently indicted in the US in 2025 on criminal charges arising from the alleged gold export and tax-evasion scheme. The Mohameds continue to challenge their extradition under Guyana’s Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Act on various grounds, including a constitutional challenge to provisions of the legislation that remains before the Court of Appeal of Guyana.