HGP Nightly News – Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed is accusing the government of political persecution after police arrived on Tuesday morning to seize licensed firearms belonging to him and his father. Speaking to Nightly News during the police visit, Mohamed said the move has left him fearful for his safety, claiming that Special Branch officers have been following him daily.
“I’m scared for my life,” he said. “Every day, I have these Special Branch officers following me around.”
Mohamed said the seizure has weakened the security arrangements for his residence and business premises. According to him, the firearms were held legally and were part of a wider security setup involving several security personnel.
“All the firearms were legal,” Mohamed said, adding that his father’s licences were also current.
The opposition figure described the police action as politically motivated and accused the government of using state power to intimidate him.
“I want the world to know the political persecution continues,” he said.
Mohamed also linked the incident to Arrival Day, saying he was expected to attend an Indian Arrival Day function in Berbice when he was informed that police were outside his residence.
He criticised President Irfaan Ali’s Arrival Day message, which spoke about democracy, shared prosperity and justice, arguing that those ideals are not being reflected in the country’s political climate.
“There is no democracy in this country,” Mohamed claimed.
Mohamed further alleged that the same firearms now being seized were once used to protect senior members of the current administration, including President Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and other ministers.
According to him, those firearms were previously relied on for protection, but are now being taken away as part of what he called a campaign to break him.
He said earlier efforts to target him through vehicles and other matters had failed, and that each attempt has only strengthened his resolve.
“We will not surrender, we will not retreat, and we will not give in,” Mohamed said. “I have the people on my side, and I have God on my side.”
Asked whether he would move to the courts to challenge the seizure and recover the firearms, Mohamed said he was not yet sure and would have to consult with his attorneys.
The police action is expected to trigger fresh political debate, with Mohamed maintaining that the seizure forms part of a broader pattern of pressure against him and his family.
