The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) yesterday called for Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed to be allowed to participate in this week’s sitting of the National Assembly, either in person or virtually, warning that his continued detention must not prevent him from carrying out his parliamentary duties.
In a statement, the GTUC urged the Guyana Prison Service, judiciary, executive and legislature to protect Mohamed’s rights as an elected representative. It said the choice between attending physically and participating remotely should be his.
Mohamed remains on remand at the Lusignan Prison following his October 30 appearance before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on a charge under the Cybercrime Act. He and Police Constable Ryan Greene were jointly charged in connection with the alleged unauthorised disclosure of surveillance footage of the October 12 shooting incident involving Special Branch Head, Senior Superintendent Prem Narine. Both were refused bail and their case was adjourned to November 24.
The GTUC contended that the alleged offence is bailable and accused the authorities of using Mohamed’s remand to restrict his political activities, contact with constituents and ability to speak publicly.
The GTUC said its General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis, had previously expressed concern that the proceedings could prevent Mohamed from fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities, including attending the National Assembly.
It warned that his exclusion from the upcoming sitting would reinforce its belief that his detention was intended to undermine the electorate’s choice.
The GTUC also called on Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs to ensure arrangements were made for Mohamed’s participation, arguing that an invitation alone would be insufficient without a mechanism enabling him to attend.
The substantive hearing challenging the refusal of bail has been fixed for November 23.
Discussion