Chief Magistrate Latchman faces scrutiny over extradition case pace

Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman has faced scrutiny following her declaration that her court “will control its own pace” during extradition proceedings involving Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed. The individuals are currently subject to United States-sanctioned indictments.

Critics have raised concerns regarding the efficiency of the proceedings, which began in January 2026. While the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) have both allowed the committal proceedings to continue, observers note that the Magistrates’ Court has been characterized by prolonged cross-examinations and numerous adjournments. Some have described the process as a “masterclass in delay.”

Further controversy surrounds the conduct of the defense during the cross-examination of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine. Prosecutor Glen Hanoman has accused the defense of engaging in a “fishing expedition” and an abuse of court process, citing the submission of extensive documentation on disputed lines of questioning that consume excessive court time.