By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News |
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — In explosive witness-box testimony before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch, Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, declared that Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed is a “threat to society and national security.”
However, under rigorous cross-examination by the defense, the senior intelligence officer made a series of striking concessions, admitting he could not recall which superior officer instructed him to collect the foundational ministerial extradition documents or who specifically ordered the October 31, 2025 arrests of Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed.
National Security Declaration Under Cross-Examination
Taking the witness stand for a second consecutive day in the United States extradition committal inquiry, Narine was questioned extensively by defense attorney Siand Dhurjon:
- National Security Threat Assessment: Questioned about public statements where President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali reportedly described Azruddin Mohamed as a threat to Guyana’s sovereignty, Narine testified that while he was personally unaware of the Head of State’s exact remarks, he viewed Mohamed as an active threat based on classified intelligence reports.
- The November 3 Parliament Proximity: Dhurjon highlighted the political timing of the operation, pointing out that the Mohameds were intercepted and taken into custody on October 31, 2025—barely 72 hours before the scheduled November 3 ceremonial sitting of the National Assembly.
- Denial of Direct Presidential Order: The defense suggested that President Ali directly instructed Narine to retrieve the extradition files from the Attorney General’s Chambers and execute the arrests before Parliament convened. Narine firmly denied receiving direct orders from the President.
“Mohamed is, in my view, a threat to society and, based on information I received, a threat to national security,” Senior Superintendent Narine told the court.
Memory Lapses and Special Branch Jurisdiction
Under persistent questioning by Dhurjon regarding the chain of command, Narine conceded that he could not identify the specific official who directed his actions:
- Inability to Recall Origin of Orders: Narine admitted to the court that he could not remember who instructed him to uplift the Section 6 Certificate and Authority to Proceed (ATP) from the Attorney General’s Chambers, nor could he name the officer who ordered him to execute the arrest on Smyth Street.
- Unprecedented Assignment in 26-Year Career: The Special Branch Chief admitted that throughout his 26-year career in the Guyana Police Force, this marked the first time he had ever been dispatched to collect extradition instruments or assigned to participate in an extradition committal matter.
- Special Branch Mandate Questioned: Dhurjon pressed Narine on why the Special Branch—the state’s primary domestic intelligence agency—was mobilized to handle an extradition based on commercial fraud and financial allegations, suggesting the case was being prosecuted as a “political crime.” While Narine firmly rejected that characterization, he acknowledged on the record that Special Branch is not tasked with investigating or prosecuting ordinary general crimes.
Senior Superintendent Narine is scheduled to return to the witness stand on Thursday as defense attorneys continue their cross-examination before the Chief Magistrate.
