GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Tensions boiled over in Guyana’s capital on Monday as thousands of supporters of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed clashed with police outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, hours after a judge ruled his extradition bail would stand – but he would still remain behind bars.The protest, which began peacefully in the morning, turned violent in the afternoon when supporters realised Mohamed was being taken back to prison.Police in riot gear fired tear gas and rubber bullets as protesters pushed down barricades along Brickdam and Avenue of the Republic. Protesters threw bottles and debris. A small fire was later reported at nearby Stabroek Market, which police extinguished.It was the latest escalation in a political crisis that has gripped Guyana since Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, was remanded to prison last week.What Did The Court Decide?Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday rejected a bid by the United States to revoke Mohamed’s extradition bail.The ruling meant bail would stand for both Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, who are both facing US extradition proceedings.But the victory was short-lived.Mohamed remains on remand until November 24 on separate local charges. Police allege that he and two others discharged a loaded firearm near the home of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, the head of Police Special Branch and a key witness in the extradition case, on October 12, in an attempt to pervert the course of justice.His legal team has said it will approach the High Court for bail on those local charges.From Peaceful Protest To ClashesFrom early morning, supporters dressed in blue WIN shirts and waving Guyanese flags gathered outside the yellow Magistrates’ Court building.Many had travelled from Bartica, Linden and Lethem, pooling resources to get to Georgetown.They carried placards reading “FREE AZRUDDIN NOW”, “NO JUSTICE NO DEMOCRACY”, “RELEASE AZRUDDIN END THIS INJUSTICE”, and “A PRISON CELL CANNOT CONTAIN A PEOPLE’S HOPE.”Videos from the scene show the crowd chanting loudly as Mohamed arrived for his hearing.The mood changed in the afternoon when it became clear he would not be released. Protesters forced down police barricades, prompting police to move in to restore order.The Guyana Police Force later warned that riotous behaviour could lead to charges of public terror.Claims Of Inhumane TreatmentThe case has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and Mohamed’s family.At a candlelight vigil on Sunday night, WIN official Ronald Bulkan claimed Mohamed was being held in “cruel, inhumane, and degrading conditions that even hardened criminals should not be exposed to.”His sister, Hadiyyah Mohamed, has alleged political victimisation, claiming he is being held in solitary confinement with a light on all day, allowed only 20 minutes with visitors, with visits restricted to Saturdays.The Guyana Prison Service has denied the claims, saying Mohamed is being managed as a high-profile prisoner in line with the United Nations Mandela Rules, and that he has access to medical care and visits.The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has condemned what it described as collusion between the police and the magistracy to secure a weekend remand.Why This Matters For The CaribbeanMohamed is not just an opposition figure – he is the Leader of the Opposition in Guyana, South America’s only English-speaking country and now one of the Caribbean’s most important oil producers.His arrest and the US extradition request have raised questions across CARICOM about sovereignty, political persecution, and US influence in the region.His family and supporters have called on the international community, including the ABCEU diplomatic corps, to intervene. They say protests outside the court will continue.The extradition hearing continues, with Mohamed next due in court on November 24.Bajan Observer will continue to follow this developing story.
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