Last Updated on Sunday, 1 November 2026, 14:47 by Written By Denis Chabrol
Amid concerns by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s sister that he was placed in solitary confinement at the Lusignan Prison, the Guyana Prison Service on Sunday said his placement was based on an assessment.
“Upon his admission on Friday, October 30, 2026, Mr. Mohamed was assessed and classified as a high-profile prisoner through the Prison Management Offenders System.
“That classification informs decisions concerning his placement, accommodation and level of supervision. It is a security and management determination and is not intended as punishment,” the prison service said in a statement.
The prison service did not confirm or deny that the 39-year old businessman turned politician was in solitary confinement. The prison service stopped short of saying that Mr Mohamed complained that he was not getting sufficient fresh air and that the cell was not hot.
“He also requested that the fan serving his cell area be adjusted. Prison officials responded to that request and the necessary adjustment was made,” the GPS said.
The prison service said Mr Mohamed’s conditions would continue to be monitored, and appropriate access to medical care, welfare services, family contact and other entitlements would be facilitated in accordance with established procedures.
Since a magistrate refused him bail on a cybercrime charge last Friday in connection with his access and publication of police security surveillance video related to other criminal charges against him.
The GPS sought to reject his sister Hana Mohamed’s that he was being subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment beimf improperly isolated and subjected to unacceptable conditions, including inadequate ventilation, continuous lighting, restrictions on exercise and limitations on contact with other prisoners.
“The GPS wishes to make clear that Mr. Mohamed is being managed in accordance with established prison procedures, having regard to his classification, security requirements, safety and welfare,” that penal entity said in a statement.
As part of the admission process, the GPS said Mr. Mohamed was examined by a medical officer and seen by a welfare officer. He was also briefed by the Officer-in-Charge of Lusignan Prison on the rules of the institution and the conditions governing his detention.
The GPS said that reasonable access to his family and communication has been facilitated.
The GPS said that on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Assistant Director of Prisons, Operations (Acting), Deoraj Gyandat, met with Mr. Mohamed’s mother and two sisters and explained the arrangements governing visits and telephone communication. His relatives were subsequently permitted to visit him.
Following that visit, the GPS said the family requested permission to provide meals for Mr. Mohamed because of concerns regarding his safety. The GPS said it accommodated that request, subject to the applicable security procedures, and authorised a designated family member to deliver his meals.
Later that day, accordonf to the GPS, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot, accompanied by the Officer-in-Charge of Lusignan Prison, Seon Charles, personally visited Mr. Mohamed to assess his welfare and reinforce the requirements governing his conduct while in custody.
During that interaction, Mr. Mohamed requested permission to telephone his son ahead of his son’s birthday on Sunday, November 1, 2026. That request was granted, the GPS said.
“The Guyana Prison Service has a duty to maintain the security of its institutions while safeguarding the dignity, safety and welfare of every person lawfully placed in its custody.
A prisoner’s public profile does not diminish those protections, nor does it exempt that prisoner from the security procedures applicable to his classification,” the prison service said.
The GPS rejected any suggestion that Mr. Mohamed is being subjected to punitive or degrading treatment outside of the lawful requirements of his detention.
He also requested that the fan serving his cell area be adjusted. Prison officials responded to that request and the necessary adjustment was made
His conditions will continue to be monitored, and appropriate access to medical care, welfare services, family contact and other entitlements will be facilitated in accordance with established procedures
The GPS says it remains committed to the humane treatment of all prisoners and to the applicable human-rights standards governing persons deprived of their liberty, including the principles reflected in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules).
The Guyana Prison Service says it will continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally, impartially and without favour, while ensuring both the security of the institution and the rights and welfare of persons in its custody.
He and his father, Nazar Mohamed, are wanted by the United States for trial for money laundering and other alleged financial crimes. They are currently fighting extradition proceedings.
