Guyana’s Opposition Leader Arrested Before Parliamentary Session

The recently elected opposition leader of Guyana, Azruddin Mohamed, was arrested on Friday as preparations for his extradition to the United States commenced. Local police apprehended Mohamed just four days before the first parliamentary session following the September 1 general elections, where his party, We Invest in Nationhood, secured 16 of the 65 seats, establishing it as the second-largest political force in the country.

Mohamed’s arrest raises questions about his ability to assume the role of opposition leader. The situation is further complicated by the arrest of his father, Nazar Mohamed, who is also facing legal issues. Both individuals were previously sanctioned by the US Treasury Department due to allegations of financial misconduct, including wire fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion involving approximately US$50 million in gold smuggling.

According to Anil Nandlall, the Attorney General of Guyana, the United States formally requested the extradition of the Mohameds this week. Nandlall stated, “The Mohameds are the subject of an indictment unsealed on October 6, 2025, by a United States Grand Jury sitting in the Southern District of Florida, which charges them with multiple offences including wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customs-related violations connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.”

The arrest has sparked significant controversy within Guyana. Khamelia Mohamed, a spokesperson for the WIN party and relative of Azruddin, condemned the actions of law enforcement, labelling it a tragic day for the country. She remarked, “If this is what democracy looks like in Guyana, then we are in a very sad state. If this is a deliberate tactic to prevent him from taking this role as opposition leader, then all I can say is that we are in a very sad state.”

The political landscape in Guyana has been marked by tension between the two major parties, with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) openly expressing its intent to marginalize Azruddin Mohamed from the political sphere. Once aligned with PPP supporters, the relationship between the parties has soured, culminating in this contentious moment in Guyanese politics.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for both the political future of the opposition and the broader governance of Guyana remain to be seen. The upcoming parliamentary session will likely be a critical juncture in determining the impact of these developments on the nation’s political climate.