Hana Mohamed has alleged that her brother, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, is being held in solitary confinement under inhumane conditions at the Lusignan Prison and says he has threatened to go on a hunger strike if his family is not allowed to provide his meals.
In a video shared on Facebook following his remand on Friday, Hana raised concerns about his treatment, access to food consistent with his Muslim faith, and the effects of isolation on his well-being.
Her account follows a brief family visit on Saturday morning.
“He told us in a very brief visit this morning that it is mentally draining,” she said.
Hana claimed that other inmates had been removed from the floor where Mohamed was being held, leaving him isolated. She described his cell as small, excessively hot and without windows, and alleged that a bright light remained on continuously.
According to her, Mohamed had asked for fans to be directed towards his cell but that request was refused. She also claimed that his access to outdoor exercise and interaction with other prisoners had been restricted.
Hana further alleged that tight handcuffs and ankle restraints had left his hands and ankles swollen and bruised, and that he was required to shower while wearing ankle shackles in the presence of prison officers.
She characterised the treatment as punishment of a person who had not been convicted of the offences for which he was being held.
“An accusation is not a conviction,” she said, challenging the reliance on pending charges during consideration of his bail application.
On meals, Hana said her brother had indicated that he would only eat food supplied by his family. She alleged that the food offered did not meet his religious requirements.
“He voiced to us that he will go on a hunger strike if his meals are not home supported,” she said.
Hana also criticised the circumstances surrounding Mohamed’s transfer from police custody to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. She claimed that his family and attorneys were initially unaware of the transfer while proceedings seeking his release were underway in the High Court.
She alleged political interference in his detention and called for peaceful protests.
Mohamed and Police Constable Ryan Greene, 20, were denied bail by Magistrate Abigail Gibbs on Friday and remanded until November 24 in connection with the alleged unauthorised transfer of police surveillance footage. The case involves an alleged $800,000 payment for a recording of the October 12 shooting incident outside Senior Superintendent Prem Narine’s Kitty residence.
Mohamed’s attorneys disputed the prosecution’s case and challenged its reliance on his other pending matters. In refusing bail, the magistrate considered those matters and expressed concern about the likelihood of further offending if Mohamed were released.
Mohamed was represented by Roysdale Forde and Siand Dhurjon, while Dexter Todd and Darren Wade represented Greene. King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani led the prosecution.
