The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is calling on the Guyana Prison Service, Judiciary, Government (Executive) and Legislature to honour and protect the rights of the duly elected Leader of the Opposition by allowing for his participation in Parliament this week be it in person or virtual with that preference being his to exercise.
The alleged offence, which is bailable under law, for which he has been placed on remand, to effectively immobilise his political activities, freedom of movement, meetings with those who elected him as their representative, the silencing of his voice, harassment and threats to his life must not be countenanced by the law abiding among us.
That both the Judiciary and Attorney General’s Chambers see it fit not to grant the Hon Leader Azruddin Mohamed bail is a denial of his right under the said Cybercrime Act. This is another shameful and dark period under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government and yet another under the influence of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. We the people must hold him equally accountable with President Irfaan Ali and supporters of the Machiavellian rule over our country.
The Attorney General as principal custodian of the Constitution and Laws of Guyana has taken an oath to discharge the duties of his post without fear, favour or ill will. Society expects no less and demands no more. Unfortunately, the present holder of this office, Anil Nandlall S.C, appears unable or unwilling to abide by these sacred tenets and he too must be held accountable.
GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis is on record expressing concern that a move may be afoot to prevent Mr. Azruddin Mohamed from carrying out his constitutional duties as Leader of the Opposition, which also includes attendance in Parliament/National Assembly by seeking to remand him on an alleged offense that is bailable, and moreso where he is on bail for more serious offences.
Parliament will sit this week and unless the Opposition Leader is present GTUC will confirm the intent behind his detention is an antidemocratic move to undermine the will of the people, with the collusion of members of the Judiciary and others to take away his rights.
Article 155(1) of the Constitution is very clear that a parliamentarian can only be barred from the National Assembly if “imprisoned” during the life of the Assembly to which he was elected. This is not the case with the Leader of the Opposition because he has not been convicted of any offence. Unless he is released or can address this nation through Parliament, then this nation has every reason to believe the allegations, charges and detention are intentional acts of the Irfaan Ali/Bharrat Jagdeo regime.
GTUC also call on the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, to discharge his duty by not only inviting but ensuring mechanism in place for the Leader of the Opposition to exercise his preference.
Hon. Azruddin Mohamed is a political worker, elected by the people to serve the people and paid by people to be in service to them. His Office, as Leader of the Opposition, has significant constitutional and political influence, representing almost half of the electorate. Further, in the current Parliament, based on GECOM ‘s declaration- he is the elected leader of the second largest political force in Guyana (We Invest In Nationhood). He deserves every respect and treatment ascribed to his office same as the President and Vice President were accorded under a different administration
GTUC retains an abiding interest in the welfare and wellbeing of all workers- be they past, present or future, unionised or non-unionised.
This matter is about rights and the rule of law. We must not flinch where there exists clear and present danger to our democracy and person, regardless of who is affected or who stands to benefit.
GTUC also reminds the Ali/Jagdeo regime that it will be held responsible for the safety and well-being of the Opposition Leader and the other two accused, Constable Ryan Greene and Constable Ashton Chappelle who are charged and remanded for the same offence.
Lincoln Lewis
General Secretary
Guyana Trades Union Congress
Press Statement
November 8, 2026
