-silent on claims of solitary confinement, 24-hr bright light
The Guyana Prison Service today denied claims by the family of Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed that he is being treated in an inhumane manner at the Lusignan Prison.
It was however silent on claims by the family that Mohamed has been placed in solitary confinement and has a bright light focused on him all day.
It however described him as a “high-profile” prisoner which classification determines how he is treated.
“Upon his admission on Friday, October 30, 2026, Mr. Mohamed was assessed and classified as a high-profile prisoner through the Prison Management Offenders System. That classification informs decisions concerning his placement, accommodation and level of supervision. It is a security and management determination and is not intended as punishment”.
A statement from the prison service follows:
Guyana Prison Service Rejects Claims of Inhumane Treatment of Remanded Prisoner Azruddin Mohamed
The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) rejects allegations that remanded prisoner Azruddin Mohamed is being subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment while in custody at Lusignan Prison.
Claims have been circulated alleging that Mr. Mohamed is being improperly isolated and subjected to unacceptable conditions, including inadequate ventilation, continuous lighting, restrictions on exercise and limitations on contact with other prisoners.
The GPS wishes to make clear that Mr. Mohamed is being managed in accordance with established prison procedures, having regard to his classification, security requirements, safety and welfare.
Upon his admission on Friday, October 30, 2026, Mr. Mohamed was assessed and classified as a high-profile prisoner through the Prison Management Offenders System. That classification informs decisions concerning his placement, accommodation and level of supervision. It is a security and management determination and is not intended as punishment.
As part of the admission process, Mr. Mohamed was examined by a medical officer and seen by a welfare officer. He was also briefed by the Officer-in-Charge of Lusignan Prison on the rules of the institution and the conditions governing his detention.
The GPS further wishes to place on record that reasonable access to his family and communication has been facilitated.
On Saturday, October 31, 2026, Assistant Director of Prisons, Operations (Acting), Deoraj Gyandat, met with Mr. Mohamed’s mother and two sisters and explained the arrangements governing visits and telephone communication. His relatives were subsequently permitted to visit him.
Following that visit, the family requested permission to provide meals for Mr. Mohamed because of concerns regarding his safety. The GPS accommodated that request, subject to the applicable security procedures, and authorised a designated family member to deliver his meals.
Later that day, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot, accompanied by the Officer-in-Charge of Lusignan Prison, Seon Charles, personally visited Mr. Mohamed to assess his welfare and reinforce the requirements governing his conduct while in custody.
During that interaction, Mr. Mohamed requested permission to telephone his son ahead of his son’s birthday on Sunday, November 1, 2026. That request was granted.
He also requested that the fan serving his cell area be adjusted. Prison officials responded to that request and the necessary adjustment was made.
The Guyana Prison Service has a duty to maintain the security of its institutions while safeguarding the dignity, safety and welfare of every person lawfully placed in its custody. A prisoner’s public profile does not diminish those protections, nor does it exempt that prisoner from the security procedures applicable to his classification.
The GPS therefore rejects any suggestion that Mr. Mohamed is being subjected to punitive or degrading treatment outside of the lawful requirements of his detention.
His conditions will continue to be monitored, and appropriate access to medical care, welfare services, family contact and other entitlements will be facilitated in accordance with established procedures.
The GPS remains committed to the humane treatment of all prisoners and to the applicable human-rights standards governing persons deprived of their liberty, including the principles reflected in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules).
The Guyana Prison Service will continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally, impartially and without favour, while ensuring both the security of the institution and the rights and welfare of persons in its custody.
Discussion