AG warns of legal action after US-sanctioned LOO’s sister targets 2 State attorneys

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC has condemned what he described as defamatory attacks against two senior female attorneys attached to the AG’s Chambers, warning that legal proceedings could be pursued against those responsible. In a statement issued on Friday, Nandlall identified the attorneys as Deputy Solicitor General Shoshanna Lall and Assistant Solicitor General Ronetta Sargent, who he said were targeted in a Facebook post published by Hana Mohamed, also known as “Hana Khamelia”, the sister of United States (US)-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed.

The AG said the post contained serious and unfounded allegations of professional misconduct against the two State attorneys, who were performing their duties during court proceedings. Nandlall said while he had previously chosen not to respond to personal attacks directed at him by Hana Mohamed, he would not allow similar conduct to be extended to members of staff of the AG’s Chambers.

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He explained that the incident stemmed from judicial review proceedings involving Azruddin Mohamed at the High Court on Thursday, November 12. According to Nandlall, during the hearing, the Court had to admonish Bonita Mohamed for what he described as loud and disrespectful outbursts while he was addressing the Court. He said even her attorneys had to caution her, adding that he subsequently apologised to the Court for her conduct. The AG further alleged that after the hearing, Bonita Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed directed personal insults at him, which he chose to ignore. However, he said he was subsequently informed by Lall and Sargent that Hana Mohamed and Hadiyya Mohamed had been mouthing expletives in their direction during the proceedings. Nandlall also alleged that immediately after the hearing was adjourned, Bonita Mohamed and Hana Mohamed directed insults at the two State attorneys. He said when Sargent responded that they were simply performing their duties, Bonita Mohamed spat at her. The AG described the Facebook publication as defamatory, arguing that it falsely accused the two attorneys of professional misconduct and inappropriate behaviour both in court and within its precincts.