Attorneys representing Raymond David, a Guyanese national currently detained in Suriname, are taking legal action against what they describe as his “illegal extradition” for a crime he claims to know nothing about.
David was arrested by members of the Guyana Police Force at his place of business and taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station, where he was informed that he was wanted for murder in Suriname. On June 19, he was subsequently transferred to the Springlands Police Station in Berbice and handed over to Surinamese police officers, who transported him by boat to Suriname. He has been in detention there ever since.
At a press conference today, attorneys Dexter Todd, Dexter Smartt, and Eden Corbin outlined their legal strategy, which includes seeking a declaration that David’s arrest and extradition were unlawful and violated the Fugitive Offenders Act.
Key Legal Points:
The Fugitive Offenders Act mandates that a person must be accused or convicted of a serious offense punishable by at least two years in prison before extradition.
Extradition requests must follow a specific legal process involving the State and relevant ministers before reaching the courts.
Corbin emphasized that the procedures for extradition were not followed in David’s case, constituting a breach of the Act.
Attorney Todd further clarified that David was not wanted for murder in Suriname but was merely a person of interest in a narcotics case over a decade ago. He expressed concern over the information that led to David’s arrest in Guyana, stating, “Where did the police in Guyana get that information from leaves, I believe that they would have to answer that.”
David’s sister, Agisha Alder, shared her family’s distress over his treatment and detention. “Our family is feeling violated in many ways… the way they treated my brother is impacting my family in a serious, serious way,” she said, expressing hope for her brother’s safe return.
The legal team is preparing to file their challenge in court, requesting David’s immediate return to Guyana.
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