Guyana’s New Opposition Leader Arrested Ahead of Parliament Session

The newly elected opposition leader of Guyana, Azruddin Mohamed, was arrested by local police on Friday, just days before the parliament’s first session following the recent general elections. Authorities are preparing for his extradition to the United States, where he faces multiple financial charges, including wire fraud and money laundering.

At 38 years old, Mohamed heads the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which secured 16 out of 65 parliamentary seats in the September 1 elections, making it the second largest party in the country after the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP). His arrest raises questions about his ability to assume the role of opposition leader, a position he was expected to fill following his party’s electoral success.

The situation escalated when both Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were detained. Last year, the US Treasury Department sanctioned them on charges related to a scheme involving the smuggling of over 10,000 kilograms of gold to the US and evasion of approximately US$50 million in taxes to Guyana.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall confirmed that the US formally requested the extradition of the Mohameds this week. He noted that the two are the subjects of an indictment that was unsealed on October 6, 2025, by a Grand Jury in the Southern District of Florida. The indictment includes accusations of wire fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy, and related customs violations.

A spokesperson for the WIN party, Khamelia Mohamed, expressed outrage over the arrests, describing the day as “horrible for Guyana.” She criticized the implications of political maneuvering, stating, “If this is what democracy looks like in Guyana, then we are in a very sad state.” Khamelia suggested that the arrest might be a tactic to hinder her brother from taking on his role as opposition leader.

The political landscape in Guyana has become increasingly contentious, particularly between the WIN party and the PPP. Once allied, the two parties have experienced significant tension, with the PPP making no secret of its aim to diminish Azruddin Mohamed’s influence in local politics.

As the situation develops, the implications of these arrests extend beyond the individuals involved, potentially affecting the opposition’s role in Guyana’s governance and the broader political climate. The outcome of this case may draw attention not only within Guyana but also from international observers monitoring the intersection of politics and law enforcement in the region.