Hana Mohamed, sister of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and Office Manager in the Leader of the Opposition’s Office, has raised serious concerns about his treatment at Lusignan Prison, alleging that he is being held in an isolated, poorly ventilated cell under conditions that are taking a psychological toll on him following his remand on a Cybercrime Act charge.
In a statement delivered on Saturday, October 31, Hana described her brother’s confinement in Building Five of the Lusignan Prison as inhumane, claiming that prison authorities cleared an entire floor of inmates before his arrival, leaving him isolated from other prisoners.
She alleged that the cell is extremely hot, has inadequate ventilation and is illuminated by a bright light that remains on throughout the night, preventing him from sleeping properly.
Hana further claimed that fans were directed towards empty cells rather than her brother’s cell, despite his requests for improved ventilation.
“There is a bright light that is on 24 hours on top, without any access to a light switch. This is what the prisoners are calling it: the punishment room. It prevents him from sleeping or even thinking, sleep deprivation and isolation causing him psychological trauma,” she said.
Hana said she briefly visited her brother on Saturday morning and that, despite maintaining a smile, he described the conditions as mentally draining.
She questioned why a person who has not been convicted of the charges against him should be subjected to conditions she characterised as punishment before trial.
Hana questions circumstances surrounding transfer
Beyond the prison conditions, Hana challenged the circumstances surrounding her brother’s transfer from police custody to the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court on October 30.
She alleged that while his attorneys were pursuing habeas corpus proceedings in the High Court over his continued detention, Mohamed was moved from the Kitty Police Station without his family or legal team being informed of his whereabouts or the intended transfer.
According to Hana, the family received telephone calls from two unidentified individuals indicating that Mohamed was being taken to Sparendaam. His attorneys were consequently forced to make hurried arrangements to reach the court.
She characterised the sequence of events as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the legal proceedings, alleging that the authorities moved him while his lawyers were pursuing his release.
Mohamed was subsequently charged jointly with Police Constable Ryan Greene under Section 9 of the Cybercrime Act in connection with the alleged unauthorised disclosure of electronic data from the Guyana Police Force’s Command Centre.
The prosecution alleges that Greene accessed surveillance footage relating to an October 12 incident outside the Kitty residence of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, head of the Special Branch, and provided it to Mohamed in exchange for $800,000.
The footage became a source of public controversy after Mohamed released recordings relating to the incident, which involved gunfire outside Narine’s residence.
Magistrate Abigail Gibbs refused bail and remanded both defendants until November 24. In considering bail, the court reportedly took account of other pending matters and concerns about the possibility of further offences.
Hana challenged the reliance on pending charges in determining her brother’s liberty, arguing that allegations must not be treated as proof of guilt.
Prison Service disputes claims of inhumane treatment
The Guyana Prison Service has rejected allegations that Mohamed is being subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 1, the Service said Mohamed was classified as a high-profile prisoner following his admission on October 30, with his placement and supervision determined by security, safety and welfare considerations.
It said he was examined by a medical officer, seen by a welfare officer and briefed on prison procedures. The Service also confirmed that his mother and two sisters met with prison officials on Saturday and were subsequently permitted to visit him.
According to the Service, the family was authorised to provide meals for Mohamed, while Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot and the Officer-in-Charge personally visited him to assess his welfare.
The Service further stated that Mohamed had requested an adjustment to the fan serving his cell area and that the necessary adjustment was made.
It rejected suggestions that he was being subjected to punitive or degrading treatment, adding that his conditions would continue to be monitored.
The conflicting accounts have placed the conditions of the Opposition Leader’s detention under public scrutiny. While the Prison Service maintains that appropriate measures are in place to protect his welfare, Hana’s allegations raise questions about the treatment of remanded prisoners, the use of isolation and the safeguards available to individuals held in state custody.
The issue extends beyond Mohamed’s political position or the charges he faces. Every person in custody, regardless of status or accusation, is entitled to humane treatment, medical care and the protection of their fundamental rights.
