Stating clearly that the Court will not take orders from persons inside or outside of the Courtroom, Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman today warned against rushing the extradition proceedings involving the Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed. She also cautioned Special Prosecutor, Glen Hanoman, who had complained about the length of time that the case was taking to be completed.

“This Court will not be controlled by any mortal within inside of this Court or outside of this Court. The Court will never be controlled by any mortal being, only by divine intervention. This Court will control its own pace,” the Chief Magistrate said.

Noting that the case is of great national importance, Chief Magistrate Latchman said it deserves “quality and “careful” attention, and should not be rushed.

“I am well aware of the timeline; I need no reminder of the timeline. Justice delayed is justice denied but again we must also recognize that rushed justice is crushed justice,” the Chief Magistrate said.

She said the case is a complicated matter with complicated issues, and ought to be carefully considered, warning that “justice in pace” can give rise to complications and mistakes, and the Court needs to get it right

“We need to get it right, the court needs to get it right, and this court will not take orders within or outside,” the Chief Magistrate iterated.

But even as she spoke, Hanoman attempted to interject, and it was then that she inquired whether she should leave, so he can speak.

The issue arose following written submissions by both the Prosecution and Defence on a question initially posed to Senior Superintendent Prem Narine as he was being cross-examined by Defence Attorney Siand Dhurjon during occasion.

But as the Court today sought clarification on a number of the submissions made by the Defence, Attorney Dhurjon indicated to the Court that he would be withdrawing the question, which did not sit well with the Prosecution.

Hanoman told the Court that it would appear as though the Defence is on “fishing expedition,” with its questions.

With the cross-examination of the witness ongoing for days, Hanoman told the Court that he thinks the Court is losing sight.

The Chief Magistrate interjected and made it clear that it is for the Prosecution to advocate, and for the Court to adjudicate.

The Defence Attorney said that his team was on no fishing expedition, even as the Special Prosecutor accused the Attorneys for the Mohameds of abusing the Court process.

It was while Hanoman was lamenting the issue, and complaining about the lengthy cross-examinations being done by the Defence that the Chief Magistrate offered her words of caution.

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