Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday made it clear that the extradition proceedings involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, businessman Nazar Mohamed, will not be rushed, despite concerns from the prosecution over the time being taken to conclude the matter.
The magistrate’s remarks came on Thursday after a dispute over the defence’s approach to the issue of alleged political motivation behind the extradition.
Defence attorney Siand Dhurjon had been pursuing a line of questioning intended to support the defence’s contention that the extradition is politically motivated.
However, after extensive written submissions were filed, the defence indicated that it wished to withdraw one particular question and pursue the issue from a different angle.
Prosecutor Glen 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.
It was against this backdrop that Chief Magistrate Latchman reminded counsel that the court would not be controlled by anyone and stressed that, although the matter is of grave national importance, it must be given careful attention rather than rushed.
“This court will not be controlled by any mortal within inside of this court or outside of this court,” Latchman asserted.
The magistrate made the position clear during the proceedings at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, insisting that the court would operate independently and would not be dictated to by anyone inside or outside the courtroom.
The Chief Magistrate acknowledged that the matter is of grave national importance and therefore requires careful attention.
She said she was aware of the timeline for the proceedings and did not need to be reminded of the importance of moving the case forward.
While acknowledging the principle that delayed justice can amount to denied justice, Latchman cautioned that moving too quickly could also compromise the administration of justice.
“Rushed justice is crushed justice,” she told the court.
The Chief Magistrate said the proceedings involve complicated issues which require adequate time and attention, warning that haste could result in complications and mistakes.
She maintained that the court’s priority is to get the matter right rather than simply bringing it to an early conclusion.
Magistrate Latchman’s comments came as the prosecution continues to present evidence in support of the United States’ extradition request.
The substantive committal proceedings began on January 6, 2026, and have since been interrupted by legal challenges filed by the defence before the higher courts.
Two prosecution witnesses have so far taken the stand.
The extradition proceedings are set to continue on September 21, 22, 28 and 29, with all four dates scheduled for full-day hearings.
The father and son are wanted by United States authorities, who are seeking their extradition to face an 11-count indictment in Florida.
The charges include alleged conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering and related offences arising from an alleged gold-export scheme.
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