The extradition proceedings involving Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed were further adjourned on Wednesday after Nazar expressed ongoing health complications. Both father and son appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman. However, no new medical report was presented to support Nazar’s claim of continued illness.
Attorney Siand Dhurjon, representing the Mohameds, informed the court that he was unable to obtain an updated medical report from Nazar’s cardiologist, who is currently on leave. He requested that the court consider the previously submitted medical report, noting that Nazar has not fully recovered.
Dhurjon also conveyed condolences for the “regrettable passing” of Damian Da Silva’s mother on behalf of the defense team and acknowledged the rescheduling to February 26 for the next adjournment.
When asked about his health by the Magistrate, Nazar shared that he is still experiencing troubling symptoms. “I’m really not well… tightness in my chest, breathing [issues], but the cramps are under control, and the pressure is still up… I’m trying,” he stated. Nazar indicated that he did not believe he could return to court for the remainder of the week, adding, “I’m not really feeling well.”
The prosecution did not object to the defense’s request for an adjournment, leading to the matter being postponed to February 26 at 9:00 a.m.
During the hearing, Prosecutor Terrence Williams indicated the prosecution’s intention to consider invoking paper committal proceedings if the defendants are unable to appear regularly in court. However, Attorney Dhurjon opposed this, stating that the defense is not prepared to proceed in that manner at this time.
Magistrate Latchman raised questions about the legal foundation for paper committals, noting that they typically apply when an accused person faces a criminal charge with no requirement for cross-examination. Williams countered, claiming that cross-examination is not necessary to test the evidence in this context.
Attorney Roysdale Forde objected, highlighting that paper committals require a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) process, which has been abolished for criminal offenses but does not automatically apply to cases under the Fugitive Offenders Act. He argued that the amendment should not be improperly integrated into the Fugitive Offenders Act.
Dhurjon further maintained that introducing paper committal proceedings at this stage would necessitate restarting the case. The Magistrate advised that the prosecution may submit written arguments on this issue when the matter resumes on February 26.
Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, with Nazar facing multiple financial crime charges in the U.S., are currently released on $150,000 bail pending the conclusion of these proceedings.
