Magistrate orders Hana Mohamed to stop online posting of evidence in extradition hearing

Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday warned members of the public and observers against recording or publishing evidence online during the ongoing extradition proceedings involving Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed, describing the information as highly sensitive.

When the committal hearing resumed Friday morning, prosecutor Glen Hanoman raised concerns before Magistrate Latchman that individuals in the courtroom appeared to be recording and posting details of the proceedings on social media pages linked to relatives of the U.S.-indicted businessmen.

Hanoman told the court that it appeared that Hana Mohamed appeared to be recording and transcribing testimony as it unfolded and publishing it online. He specifically alleged that Hana, who was present in court, seemed to be making live recordings and posting full proceedings, including questions and answers, to a social media page.

The prosecutor said the posts were sometimes inaccurate and that similar information was also appearing on another page belonging to a different sister.

“Perhaps they do not know it is wrong,” Hanoman told the court.

When questioned by Magistrate Latchman about the allegation, Hana Mohamed denied recording the proceedings.

“I have not been recording. I have been taking notes like other journalists,” she said.

Magistrate Latchman warned against any such actions.

“[You’re] not allowed to do that. So please do not do it. Stop it and desist… you need to desist,” Latchman said.

The magistrate further stressed that no one should be posting evidence from the court online, noting that the material being discussed in the extradition matter is sensitive.

“No one should be posting evidence online. It’s very sensitive information,” she cautioned.

The committal proceedings in the extradition case against Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed are ongoing with cross-examination of Sharon Roopchand Edwards, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.