Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday rejected any suggestion that the court would be pressured or rushed into determining the extradition case involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, businessman Nazar Mohamed.
The father and son are wanted by United States authorities, who are seeking their extradition to face an 11-count indictment in Florida involving alleged conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering and related offences connected to a gold-export scheme.
Speaking during the extradition hearing at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts, Chief Magistrate Latchman stressed that the court would remain independent and would not be controlled by anyone, either within the courtroom or outside of it.
“This court will not be controlled by any mortal within inside of this court or outside of this court,” Latchman said.
She added that the court would control its own proceedings and maintain its own pace, while acknowledging the significance of the case.
The Chief Magistrate said, “Indeed, the matter is of grave national importance and therefore it deserves quality attention and careful attention.”
Latchman said she was fully aware of the timeline surrounding the proceedings and did not require reminders about the need to advance the matter.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” she remarked.
However, she immediately cautioned against rushing the proceedings, stressing that haste could undermine the administration of justice.
“But again, we must also recognize that rushed justice is crushed justice,” she noted.
According to Latchman, the extradition proceedings involve complicated issues that require sufficient time and careful consideration.
“It’s very important. This is a very, very complicated matter with very complicated issues.”
The magistrate warned that rushing the case could create unnecessary complications and increase the possibility of errors.
Latchman said, “And there’s absolutely no reason to rush. Because justice in haste gives rise to a risk of complications and mistakes.”
She stressed that the court’s priority was to arrive at the correct decision.
“We need to get it right. The court needs to get it right,” she said, reiterating that the court would not take orders from anyone, inside or outside the courtroom.
Two prosecution witnesses have so far taken the stand in the extradition proceedings which commenced on January 6, with the second witness, Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine, still under cross-examination.
