Mohameds’ extradition hearing adjourned until February after magistrate blocks further testimony over late disclosure

The extradition proceedings involving businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, were adjourned on Thursday after a procedural dispute arose over late disclosure by the prosecution.

When the matter was called before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, the prosecution sought to continue the testimony of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards.

However, the magistrate refused to allow the witness to proceed after it emerged that the prosecution had made a belated disclosure of a statement from Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd.

In a stern rebuke, Magistrate Latchman warned the prosecution that no further material would be permitted to be laid over, making it clear that the minister’s statement would be their final disclosure in the matter.

The court granted the defence time to examine the newly disclosed statement.

As a result, the proceedings were adjourned and are scheduled to resume on February 5 and 6.