Mohamed remains on bail in extradition case – Latchman rules

Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday refused an application by the prosecution to revoke the bail granted to businessman and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed in his extradition proceedings, ruling that pending criminal charges, without convictions, were not sufficient grounds to justify taking away his liberty.

The application was made by Jamaican King’s Counsel Terrence Williams, who is part of the United States government’s prosecution team in the extradition proceedings involving Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, who are wanted in the United States.

Williams initially sought the revocation of bail for both men. However, he subsequently withdrew the application in relation to Nazar Mohamed, leaving the court to consider the request concerning Azruddin.

The defence opposed the application, arguing that the extradition court could not use allegations and proceedings in other courts as a basis for revoking bail, particularly where those matters had not resulted in convictions.

Attorney Roysdale Forde argued that the court should not consider events in other proceedings under the Bail Act as grounds for revocation. He also disputed allegations concerning threats against Nazar Mohamed, denying that his client had made statements to witness Prem Narine.

Forde further pointed out that Nazar Mohamed had not been charged in connection with any alleged threat against Narine.

Attorney Siand Dhurjon, also representing Mohamed, acknowledged the court’s authority to revoke bail but argued that any such decision based on other pending charges would require an examination of their factual basis and prospects.

He cautioned that revoking bail on the basis of unproven allegations would undermine the presumption of innocence.

Dhurjon submitted that the existing bail arrangements were adequate and urged Latchman to refuse the prosecution’s application.

In delivering her decision, Latchman said that while the court had the authority to revoke or vary bail, she did not consider past conduct without conviction or pending charges without conviction sufficient to warrant revocation.

“In these circumstances, bail is maintained,” the magistrate ruled.

She added that if Mohamed were convicted in the other matters, such convictions could have a bearing on a future application to revoke bail.

The ruling means Mohamed remains on bail in the extradition proceedings, notwithstanding his separate criminal cases.

Mohamed is currently on remand at the Lusignan Prison in connection with the separate $800,000 bribery allegation, for which he was charged alongside Police Constable Ryan Greene.

He is due to return to court on November 24, 2026 in that matter.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE