Mohamed legal team demands CCJ President recuse himself

Lawyers representing Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed, gold dealers wanted by the United States for alleged money laundering, wire fraud, and mail fraud, have requested that Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) President Justice Winston Anderson recuse himself from their proceedings.

The legal team cited concerns regarding judicial bias and the potential for an unfair hearing. They have demanded the disclosure of internal correspondence and documents, including leaked emails among CCJ judges and records of Justice Anderson’s interactions with Guyanese political leaders. Specifically, the defense is seeking information regarding discussions involving President Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton concerning the replacement of acting judicial officials.

In response to allegations of panel-fixing and political influence, Justice Anderson issued a statement denying any attempts to manipulate case outcomes. While denying impropriety, he acknowledged he may have handled a matter regarding a judicial dress code “too strongly”. The Mohameds are currently challenging their extradition to the United States.