By Mark DaCosta- We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), in a statement released on September 7, said a multi-million-dollar defamation action against Hana Mohamed reflects what it described as a disturbing pattern of pressure surrounding the political Opposition.
The party’s central argument is that the claim, though a private civil matter, cannot be divorced from the broader political climate. WIN is calling for an independent judicial determination based solely on evidence and law, while insisting that political scrutiny must not be subdued through litigation or fear.
The plaintiff is Bibi Shariman Ali, mother of President Irfaan Ali. The defendant is Hana Mohamed, sister of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. The claim exceeds $600 million. A pre-trial review is scheduled for September 11, with the parties expected to appear for trial on October 29.
WIN maintained that relatives, employees and supporters connected with the Opposition have confronted what it described as an intensifying succession of arrests, investigations, property-related actions and legal proceedings.
“A democracy cannot function where those connected to the political Opposition are expected to remain silent out of fear of arrest, prosecution, financial consequences or other forms of retaliation.”
The party said it views these developments as evidence that political engagement in Guyana is being met with retaliation.
The statement comes against the backdrop of separate legal proceedings involving Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, arising from a United States extradition request. On July 29, the Caribbean Court of Justice dismissed their challenge to the local authority permitting the case to continue.
The two men deny the American allegations and remain on bond. Those criminal proceedings are legally distinct from Bibi Ali’s civil libel action and should not be treated as interchangeable. Their occurrence at the same time, however, has contributed to WIN’s broader concerns about the political environment and the role of legal proceedings in disputes involving Opposition figures and their associates.
Defamation law provides a legal avenue for individuals who contend that their reputations have been harmed, and the libel action brought by Ali will ultimately be determined through the judicial process.
WIN, however, said the case raises wider questions about the ability of political actors to scrutinise those in positions of power.
“Political criticism and the right to question those who wield power … are fundamental democratic freedoms.”
The judiciary is expected to determine the merits of the case based on the evidence and applicable law. The financial value of the claim and the identities of the parties have nevertheless given the dispute a wider political dimension, particularly given the Mohamed family’s prominent role in Opposition politics.
WIN said it would continue to oppose what it regards as attempts to intimidate or silence political voices.
“WIN WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED. WIN WILL NOT BE SILENCED.”
