A disruption in the ongoing trial related to the 2020 Guyana General and Regional Elections forced an early adjournment on Tuesday, following a heated exchange between defence attorney Nigel Hughes and prosecution witness Bibi Aneishaw Mohamed.
Mohamed, who acted as an agent for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) during the elections, had returned to court for continued cross-examination, which Hughes has been conducting since last Friday.
Trouble arose shortly after the court resumed from a break in the morning session. During questioning, Mohamed accused Hughes of mischaracterising her evidence and putting words in her mouth, leading to rising tension in the courtroom. Efforts by the prosecution to maintain order and have the witness remain quiet proved unsuccessful as the exchange escalated.
The confrontation intensified when Hughes suggested that the witness was “racial” prompting a sharp back-and-forth between the two.
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty intervened as the situation unfolded. Hughes then indicated to the court that he had limited time remaining to complete his cross-examination and requested permission to leave, resulting in the adjournment of proceedings.
The matter, being heard at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, is expected to resume later, with another witness anticipated to take the stand. Mohamed is scheduled to return on Wednesday, April 29, when her cross-examination is set to continue.
Nine persons are before the court facing allegations of conspiring to manipulate the outcome of the elections in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition. Among those charged are former minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers.
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