extradition request: Police intelligence links US-sanctioned LOO to 6 execution-style killings, torture & bribery – witness tells court

Murders, including execution-style killings, torture, beating of employees and bribery are among the serious offences that Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine said intelligence in the possession of the Special Branch Unit suggests are linked to United States (US) sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. Narine made the statement on Tuesday while facing further cross-examination in the extradition proceedings against Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Asked again whether he believed Azruddin Mohamed was a threat to national security, Narine maintained, “Yes, I do believe so.” When pressed by defence counsel to explain the basis for that belief, Narine said, “I have information. It suggests that he’s involved in murders.” The defence then sought to clarify the nature of the information and asked Narine what other offences it suggested Azruddin Mohamed was involved in.

Narine listed “murders, torture, execution-style killings,” before adding “beating of employees” and “bribery.” Narine also revealed that intelligence in the possession of the Special Branch Unit links Azruddin Mohamed to six execution-style killings, including three people who died when a vessel exploded. Narine referred to a man known as “Pet Boy,” whose stepson was allegedly killed and Regan Rodrigues. He said there were at least two attempts on Rodrigues’ life and mentioned another alleged killing that he could not recall the details.

The police witness was asked whether that was the full list of offences he could recall. Narine said, “I think that’s it,” and later reiterated that those were all he could recall at the time.