Supporters of the opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party took their demands to the streets outside Guyana’s Parliament on Wednesday, November 11, calling for the release of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, whose continued detention has become a major point of political contention.
The demonstration coincided with the reconvening of the National Assembly after more than three months without a sitting, bringing the opposition’s demand for Mohamed’s release directly to the doorstep of the country’s legislative institution.
Scores of WIN supporters gathered outside Parliament, carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding Mohamed’s freedom. Former Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan was also reported to have joined the demonstration.
The protest unfolded against the backdrop of Mohamed’s continued remand at Lusignan Prison, following his October 30 arrest and subsequent charge under the Cybercrime Act.
Prison authorities reject request for virtual participation
One of the central issues surrounding Wednesday’s parliamentary sitting was the decision by prison authorities to deny Mohamed’s request to participate virtually.
According to his attorney, Siand Dhurjon, an application was submitted on Tuesday, November 10, seeking permission for the Opposition Leader to join the sitting through Zoom.
Dhurjon said he contacted the prison authorities at least 24 hours before the sitting and was subsequently informed that the request had been refused.
“Being in custody does not extinguish your constitutional obligations. He is not disqualified from Parliament at all under the Constitution or any law.”
However, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliott told News Source Guyana that he had not seen any such application and indicated that no request had been made directly to him.
The conflicting accounts have raised questions about communication between the prison administration and the legal representatives of the Opposition Leader.
WIN MPs Natasha Singh and Dawn Hastings-Williams also submitted an adjournment motion to Speaker Manzoor Nadir, asking Parliament to consider arrangements that would allow Mohamed to continue discharging his parliamentary responsibilities while in custody.
The motion argued that pre-trial detention does not automatically terminate an elected parliamentarian’s membership or constitutional responsibilities.
Sister sworn in as WIN parliamentarian
Inside the National Assembly, Mohamed’s sister, Hadiyyah Mohamed, was sworn in as a new WIN Member of Parliament, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Dr Andre Lewis.
Her appointment came as her brother remained in prison, unable to attend the parliamentary proceedings.
Speaker Manzoor Nadir welcomed her to the National Assembly, while Prime Minister Mark Phillips extended congratulations on behalf of the Government side.
Hadiyyah’s entry into Parliament added another dimension to an already politically charged sitting, with the absence of the Opposition Leader drawing attention to the question of how his parliamentary responsibilities would be accommodated.
A growing confrontation
Wednesday’s demonstration was the latest in a series of protests organised by WIN supporters following Mohamed’s detention.
On November 5, supporters had also demonstrated outside Freedom House, the PPP/C headquarters on Robb Street, prompting the deployment of heavily equipped police officers in riot gear. Several businesses reportedly closed their shutters during that demonstration.
The November 11 protest, however, carried particular political significance because it coincided with Parliament’s return and the continued absence of the country’s Opposition Leader.
Mohamed was remanded alongside Police Constable Ryan Greene on October 30 over allegations involving the unauthorised transfer of police surveillance footage. The allegations concern footage connected to an October 12 incident outside the Kitty residence of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine. Constable Ashton Chappelle was also charged and is on remand until November 24.
The men remain accused, not convicted, and are scheduled to return to court on November 24.
The demonstration outside Parliament therefore represented more than a demand for the release of a political leader. It brought into public focus the competing arguments over pre-trial detention, parliamentary representation and the rights of elected officials.
As the legal proceedings continue, WIN supporters are maintaining their demand for Mohamed’s release, while the question of whether an Opposition Leader in custody can effectively discharge his constitutional responsibilities remains unresolved.
