Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman yesterday ruled that there was no basis to revoke the bail granted to Opposition Leader and businessman Azruddin Mohamed in connection with his extradition proceedings.
The ruling came after prosecuting attorney Glenn Hanoman informed the Court of an ongoing police investigation into Mohamed’s presence near the private residence of President Irfaan Ali at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
The Court heard that Mohamed and at least two other persons were questioned after being found in the area with drone equipment.
Hanoman said there was no evidence “as yet” that the drone had been used, but photographs found on seized cell phones allegedly placed Mohamed within the perimeter of the President’s residence.
The prosecutor said police were examining the devices to determine whether surveillance was being conducted and what may have been planned.
Hanoman also raised the possibility that the investigation could involve serious offences.
He argued that the development should be considered in determining whether Mohamed had breached the conditions attached to his bail.
However, Chief Magistrate Latchman rejected the application, stating that the Court could only act on matters that were proven.
“It is universally known that the Court cannot act on what is not known, and can only act on what is proven,” Magistrate Latchman ruled.
She added that there was no basis at this stage to revoke Mohamed’s bail and ordered that he remain on bail with the existing conditions attached.
Earlier, Mohamed’s attorney, Siand Dhurjon, told the Court that his client had been in the area after receiving information concerning an alleged land purchase involving President Ali and a company identified as Sea Spray Holdings Inc.
Dhurjon argued that Mohamed, as Leader of the Opposition, was acting within his constitutional role in seeking to inquire into the allegations.
He also told the Court that police intercepted Mohamed more than 15 minutes after he had left the area and escorted him and others to a police station, where three vehicles were impounded.
Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, who also represents Mohamed, accused the prosecution of repeatedly attempting to have his client’s bail revoked.
Hanoman subsequently told the Court that his position was based on information provided to him by the police.
The prosecution’s bid to have Mohamed’s bail revoked was therefore denied, and he remains on bail.
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