Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday made it clear that a Guyana Police Force (GPF) statement concerning evidence in the extradition proceedings against businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed will play no part in her assessment of the case.
The issue arose after defence attorney Siand Dhurjon raised concerns about a police statement issued on September 12, 2026, which addressed testimony previously given by Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, Head of the GPF’s Special Branch.
Dhurjon argued that the statement misrepresented aspects of Narine’s evidence and risked creating an inaccurate public account of what had been said in court.
The Chief Magistrate, however, declined to review the statement.
“I don’t want to see it. I don’t want to prejudice my mind. I sequestered my mind a long time ago,” Latchman told the court.
She stressed that her determination would be based only on evidence formally presented during the proceedings.
“I concentrate on what is being said in the walls of these courtrooms from that witness box and no place else,” she said.
Latchman also indicated that she does not rely on media reports, social media or other outside commentary when considering matters before her. The defence’s concern relates to Narine’s testimony about the disposal of notes he had made in the course of his work.
While giving evidence on September 10, Narine said he shredded and burned the notes near a furnace at the Special Branch compound. He also said he could not remember whether he used a match or lighter to ignite them.
The GPF later issued a statement saying the notes were destroyed in the official incinerator at Special Branch in accordance with procedures for the disposal of sensitive documents no longer required.
Dhurjon contended that the police statement amounted to an after-the-fact attempt to explain or justify Narine’s testimony and argued that it inaccurately characterised what had been said in court.
He described the statement as an “institutional explanation” and “post justification” and raised concerns that it could amount to interference with the administration of justice.
The defence had hoped the court would reprimand the GPF over the publication. Latchman, however, made it clear that she would not entertain the contents of the statement.
“Do not show me. Do not bring it to my attention. I don’t want to see it,” she said, adding that she had not reviewed the statement and had no intention of doing so.
The extradition proceedings are continuing as the court considers a request from the United States for Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed to be sent there to face trial.
