More than three months after hearing arguments in the case, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is expected to deliver its ruling on July 29 on the Mohameds’ challenge to their extradition to the United States.
Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar had approached the regional court to halt their extradition to the United States. The US indicted them on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
The Mohameds had told the CCJ that they are not opposed to the extradition itself, but are asking the court to overturn the “Authority to Proceed” (ATP) issued by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond. They argue the Minister’s decision was legally flawed and politically bias.
The defence had argued that the speed at which the ATP was issued, shortly after the request was received, created an appearance of predetermined approval and raised questions about fairness at the earliest stage of the process.
On behalf of the Government, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes defended the issuance of the ATP, arguing that the minister’s role at this stage is administrative and not adjudicative. He rejected the suggestion that the timing of the decision indicated bias, stating instead that any delay could have equally been criticised as a failure to act.
The CCJ had put an interim stay on the extradition committal proceedings before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court while it reserves and prepares its final ruling.
The decision will determine whether the extradition proceedings against the Mohameds can officially resume in Guyana or if the process must be completely set aside.
The US government is seeking their extradition to face charges regarding the alleged smuggling of more than 10,000 kilograms of gold through the United States, and evading over US$50 million in taxes.
While the duo has been out on $150,000 bail each, the extradition proceedings have faced extensive delays due to constitutional and legal challenges, health claims, and lateness from parties involved.
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