Parliamentarians don’t have immunity – Jagdeo

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday made known that only the President, not Parliamentarians, has immunity.

Jagdeo alluded to concerns that Azruddin Mohamed contested the September 1 elections in a bid to secure the presidency and save himself from any punishment by way of Presidential immunity. Now that the results of the elections are known based on Statements of Poll (SOPs) and District Declarations, and the PPP/C is set to continue in government, Jagdeo said criminal behaviour will be investigated, and the courts and other bodies will continue their work “professionally and diligently.”

He also said no attempts to cause mayhem will be allowed.

“Azruddin Mohamed will not be allowed to disrupt the lives of our people if he has any intention,” Jagdeo said.

Per Guyana’s Constitution, the President has immunity from civil and criminal proceedings both during the other their term of office. That immunity, however, does not extend to members of the legislature.

On 11 June 2024, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury announced the imposition of sanctions against the Mohamed family—specifically targeting Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and their businesses: Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World, and Team Mohamed’s Racing. These sanctions were related to alleged gold smuggling and corruption.

As a result of the OFAC sanctions, the Mohameds’ business licences were revoked, and their bank accounts were closed. Mae Thomas, the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, who was also sanctioned, and her family members had their accounts closed, too.