The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has rejected allegations that Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed is being subjected to inhumane treatment at Lusignan Prison, saying his family has been authorised to provide meals and that requests for a telephone call and a fan adjustment were granted.
The statement follows claims by his sister, Hana Mohamed, that he was being held in solitary confinement under oppressive conditions after being remanded on Friday, October 30.
Hana had alleged inadequate ventilation, continuous lighting, restrictions on exercise and contact with other prisoners, and injuries caused by tight restraints. She also said her brother had threatened to go on a hunger strike if his family could not supply his meals.
Responding, the GPS said Mohamed was assessed upon admission and classified as a high-profile prisoner through its Prison Management Offenders System. That assessment, it explained, guides decisions about his accommodation, placement and supervision.
“It is a security and management determination and is not intended as punishment,” the service stated.
According to the GPS, Mohamed was examined by a medical officer and seen by a welfare officer during admission. The Officer-in-Charge of Lusignan Prison also briefed him on institutional rules and the conditions of his detention.
The service said Acting Assistant Director of Prisons for Operations, Deoraj Gyandat, met Mohamed’s mother and two sisters on Saturday, October 31, to explain arrangements for visits and telephone communication. The relatives were subsequently permitted to see him.
Following that visit, the family requested permission to provide meals because of concerns about his safety.
“The GPS accommodated that request, subject to the applicable security procedures, and authorised a designated family member to deliver his meals,” the statement said.
Later on Saturday, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot and Lusignan Prison Officer-in-Charge Seon Charles visited Mohamed to assess his welfare and reinforce the requirements governing his conduct, the GPS said.
During that meeting, Mohamed requested permission to telephone his son ahead of the child’s birthday on Sunday, November 1. The request was granted.
He also asked for the fan serving his cell area to be adjusted. According to the service, officials made the adjustment.
While rejecting claims of improper isolation and unacceptable conditions, the GPS did not provide specific details about Mohamed’s exercise schedule, lighting arrangements or use of restraints, or directly address the alleged injuries described by his sister.
“A prisoner’s public profile does not diminish those protections, nor does it exempt that prisoner from the security procedures applicable to his classification,” the service stated.
Mohamed and Police Constable Ryan Greene were remanded until November 24 following their appearance before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Their case concerns the alleged unauthorised release of police surveillance footage in exchange for $800,000. The recording relates to the October 12 shooting incident outside Senior Superintendent Prem Narine’s Kitty residence.
The GPS said Mohamed’s conditions would remain under review, with access to medical care, welfare services, family contact and other entitlements facilitated under established procedures. It also reaffirmed its commitment to humane treatment and the principles reflected in the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules.
