The Attorneys for the Mohameds in the ongoing extradition case asked Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman to bar Prosecuting Attorney Glen Hanoman from further participation in the committal proceedings, after he made an outburst in the Court this morning accusing the Mohameds of being the “biggest criminals”.

The incident unfolded while Defense Attorney, Siand Dhurjon, was cross-examining Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs, Sharon Roopchand on the established protocols at the Foreign Affairs Ministry with regards to the receipt of Extradition Requests.

As he sought to establish the Defense team’s position that the Foreign Ministry went against established practice in the handling of the extradition request, Hannoman heckled “he is the biggest criminal” in direct reference to Azruddin Mohamed.

The comment did not sit well with Mohamed’s Attorney, who immediately objected, bringing it to the attention of the Court. Hanoman while admitting that he made the comment from the bar table told the Court that it was not meant for public consumption – a position he maintained outside the courtroom.

“I find it very funny. It wasn’t meant for public consumption. I was speaking to my colleagues at the bar table,” he said.

Hanoman told reporters that the Mohameds have been charged with serious crimes, and it’s no secret.

“The reason that I agreed to take on this prosecution is having regard to the evidence in this case, what we are dealing with here is a family that is accused of and there is compelling evidence to suggest that they are a criminal  network at a large scale and for a long time. And so that’s the reason I believe it because that’s the evidence,” Hanoman told reporters.

 Immediately after the incident, Magistrate Latchman cautioned the attorneys, but Dhurjon later made an application to the Court for Hanoman to be barred from further participation in the case, explaining that the Prosecuting Attorney ought to have known better, and conduct himself appropriately.

Dhurjon told the Court that whether or not it was meant for public consumption, the comment gives insight into the poisoned mind of the Prosecutor.

“Mr. Hanoman is lawfully bound to be impartial…he ought not to form such a view that Azruddin Mohamed is the biggest criminal, let alone, act on it, say it out loud…for all and sundry to hear,” Dhurjon said.

He said there is case law which indicates that when a Prosecutor acts in such manner, he ought not participate in the case.

Magistrate Latchman has asked the Defense to make a written submission in support of its application. Hanoman has vowed to challenge the application.

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