Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday morning issued, and later withdrew, an arrest warrant for US-indicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed after he failed to arrive on time for the continuation of his extradition committal proceedings at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, are before the court in extradition proceedings. When the matter was called at 9:00h, Mohamed was not present despite previous warnings about tardiness. His defence attorneys and prosecutors were already in court.
At approximately 9:05h, the magistrate issued an arrest warrant, noting that concerns had been raised before about Mohamed’s repeated late appearances. At one stage, Magistrate Latchman remarked that “as it relates to Azruddin Mohamed, he is very disrespectful,” before ordering the warrant.
Mohamed arrived at court about half an hour later, by which time the warrant had already been issued. He was subsequently taken into custody as the court sought an explanation for his late arrival.
During the hearing, the magistrate questioned Mohamed about being roughly 45 minutes late. He told the court that two tyres on his vehicle had been deliberately punctured and that he had to make alternative arrangements to get to court.
Magistrate Latchman dismissed the explanation, warning that she would not tolerate repeated excuses. She told him the court was not “Monopoly” and reminded him that punctuality was mandatory.
The Magistrate had stressed that the court had already cautioned him about late attendance and warned that continued delays could result in the loss of his bail. She underscored that “9 o’clock is 9 o’clock” and that proceedings must move forward without disruption.
State prosecutor Terrence Williams also raised concern about repeated delays potentially prolonging the matter and affecting the orderly conduct of the extradition proceedings.
Despite the strong warnings, the magistrate ultimately recalled the arrest warrant and allowed Mohamed to remain on bail. However, Magistrate Latchman warned that future lateness would not be tolerated and indicated she would consider rescinding bail and remanding Mohamed to prison to ensure his attendance.
Mohamed, who at one point shouted claims of “political persecution,” remains on bail and is expected to return to court on February 18 as the extradition proceedings continue.
