Court Orders Mikhail “Critic” Rodrigues to Pay Mohameds $52M

The Honourable Justice Nigel Niles has delivered a ruling in the ongoing defamation case between Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and Mikhail Rodrigues, also known as the Guyanese Critic, affirming the judgment in favour of the Mohameds.

In a landmark decision on March 31, 2025, Justice Niles dismissed Rodrigues’ appeal, ensuring that the original orders against him and his media company, They Break News Inc., remain in full effect.

The key orders in yesterday’s judgment include:

1. Retention of the GYD$52 million Judgment: The original GY$52 million judgment awarded to Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed stands, with Rodrigues’ appeal against the judgment being dismissed.
2. Continued Injunction: The injunction barring Rodrigues and They Break News Inc. from further defaming the Mohameds remains in place, with the appeal against this injunction also dismissed.
3. Costs Awarded: Rodrigues has been ordered to pay GY$75,000 in costs to each of the Mohameds for the loss of his appeal.
4. Dismissal of Rodrigues’ Application: Justice Niles also addressed Rodrigues’ application to set aside the default judgment granted against him in July 2024. The judge stated that Rodrigues and They Break News Inc. provided an explanation that was “woefully inadequate,” and they failed to demonstrate that their reasons for the application were reasonable.

On July 14, 2024, the Court had granted a default judgment to the Mohameds, resulting in the award of GY$52 million and several injunctions against Rodrigues and his media outlet, They Break News Inc., to prevent further defamatory statements. Rodrigues and They Break News Inc. subsequently appealed the judgment, but the appeal was firmly rejected.

The Mohameds expressed their appreciation to their legal team, led by Attorney Eusi Anderson, along with Renea Marcus and Malachi Griffith, for their dedicated work in the case. The family also expressed their gratitude to Allah and to Justice Niles for his fair and just rulings.

The Guyanese Critic, Mikhail Rodrigues, was represented by Attorney Sanjeev Datadin during the proceedings. Despite the outcome, Rodrigues’ legal team has not yet indicated whether they intend to pursue further action.

This ruling is considered a significant victory for the Mohameds in their pursuit of justice following years of alleged defamation by Rodrigues. It also underscores the importance of holding individuals and media outlets accountable for harmful and unfounded claims.