Calls are mounting for Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s bail to be revoked following his latest arrest in connection with an alleged execution attempt on Special Branch Head, Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, late Monday night.
Mohamed is back in police custody after officers intercepted a vehicle occupied by him, Mario Mohamed and Eugene Thorne, following a reported shooting incident near Narine’s residence.
According to police, Narine heard what appeared to be a gunshot as a car approached his residence for a second time. He reportedly took cover and fired towards the vehicle.
Police said a search of the car uncovered an unlicensed .32 Taurus pistol with its serial number absent, along with three live rounds of ammunition.
All three men were arrested. However, Mohamed and his lawyer dispute the police account, alleging that the weapon was planted.
The latest arrest has intensified public calls for Mohamed’s bail to be revoked, with citizens questioning how many more encounters with law enforcement must occur before his continued release on bail is reconsidered.
Mohamed’s latest arrest follows several previous encounters with law enforcement since his extradition proceedings began.
In February, he was arrested at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court after arriving late for his extradition hearing. Magistrate Judy Latchman subsequently withdrew the warrant but warned that further lateness could jeopardise his bail.
In March, the court again warned Mohamed over compliance with his weekly police-reporting requirements. His bail remained in place.
In August, Mohamed was detained following a maritime operation involving his vessel at Friendship. Police alleged that the vessel failed to stop when signalled, while his team disputed that account. He was subsequently released on $100,000 station bail.
On September 3, Mohamed was arrested twice in one evening during separate encounters with police in Leonora.
The first incident concerned alleged drone activity near President Irfaan Ali’s private residence. The second followed his return to the area, with an officer alleging a breach of security protocol.
He was released again, and the following day, Magistrate Latchman declined to revoke his extradition bail in connection with the drone investigation.
Mohamed has also pleaded not guilty to four traffic charges.
With another serious police investigation now involving Mohamed, citizens are questioning whether the repeated encounters with law enforcement should trigger a fresh review of his bail.
Calls are mounting for the court to revoke his bail, as the latest incident adds to an already lengthy list of dealings with law enforcement.
The question being raised is whether Mohamed should continue to remain on bail while these matters unfold.
HAD IT BEEN AN ORDINARY CITIZEN, WOULD THE OUTCOME BE THE SAME?
Had it been an ordinary person in Guyana, without political status, influence or connections, many would argue that their bail would have already been revoked and they would be behind bars.
This raises serious questions among citizens about whether the justice system applies the same standards to everyone, regardless of their political standing, status or connections.
The public is now watching closely to see whether the latest allegations will result in further legal action and whether the court will reconsider Mohamed’s continued release on bail.
The latest allegations remain under investigation.
