The National Assembly on Monday unanimously passed the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Bill, aimed at modernizing and streamlining the extradition process and bolstering international cooperation in combating transnational crime.
The bill sparked a debate between the Opposition and Government on the future of extradition laws in the country while addressing concerns about due process and misuse of legal powers.
With the passage of the bill Section 24 of the Fugitive Offenders Act will expand the scope of admissible evidence in extradition proceedings. It introduces the concept of a “record of evidence of the case,” encompassing documents, statements, and other evidence detailing the identity, location, and alleged crimes of the individual sought for extradition. This provision allows for a broader range of evidence to be considered, including materials that may not typically be admissible under Guyanese law.
Central to the debate are the safeguards embedded within the amended legislation. Attorney General Anil Nandlall SC argued that these safeguards are essential to prevent misuse of extradition powers, emphasizing that the judiciary retains the authority to scrutinize the evidence and ensure its admissibility before authorizing extradition. Nandlall affirmed these safeguards, stressing that the amendments are designed to enhance, not compromise, due process in extradition cases.
Opposition members, mainly MP Khemraj Ramjattan and MP Geeta Chandan-Edmond while acknowledging the necessity of updating extradition laws to combat modern criminal tactics, expressed reservations about potential abuses. They highlighted concerns over the admissibility of evidence that might not meet local legal standards, cautioning against the possibility of political manipulation or suppression of dissent under the guise of extradition requests.
The passage of the bill comes amidst a broader international context where extradition plays a pivotal role in addressing organized crime and ensuring justice across borders.
In response to criticisms, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn assured the Assembly that the government remains committed to upholding civil liberties and preventing misuse of the amendments. He noted the ongoing efforts to seek mutual legal assistance for cases involving statements made outside Guyana’s jurisdiction, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in extradition proceedings.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for robust international cooperation to combat threats such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and money laundering. He underscored Guyana’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships while safeguarding individual rights and legal principles.
