indicted last year in Florida on federal charges of gold smuggling and money laundering.<\/a><\/p>\nThe indictments came just over a year after the US treasury department also sanctioned the duo for allegedly smuggling more than 10,000 kilograms (22,000 pounds) of gold to the US from Guyana, and evading more than $50 million in taxes.<\/p>\n
The case has underscored persistent government corruption in the oil-rich South American nation .<\/p>\n
The family had been among Guyana\u2019s largest gold buyers and exporters. They also ran one of the most successful foreign exchange outlets and possess extensive real estate holdings. Authorities have since shuttered all their businesses and commercial bank accounts once the sanctions were announced.<\/p>\n
Monday\u2019s brief session, attended exclusively by opposition lawmakers, took place amid simmering pressure from western nations and civil society groups, which had accused authorities of delaying calling a parliamentary session to allow his election. Until Monday, parliament had met only once since its dissolution in July ahead of the September general elections.<\/p>\n
Addressing the possibility that he and his father could be extradited, Mohamed said that \u201ca person is innocent until proven guilty\u201d.<\/p>\n
He contended that efforts to exile him have much to do with the fact that WIN is opposing the ruling People\u2019s Progressive Party (PPP) with success, noting that \u201cthat is why they are fighting me down\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI announced my candidacy because of the people of this country,\u201d he said. \u201cThe people asked me. I would not have had any court issues if I did not contest this election. I am ready to serve the people of this country,\u201d he told reporters outside parliament.<\/p>\n
The house speaker, Manzoor Nadir, publicly expressed his unease with Mohamed\u2019s election, describing himself as being in a \u201cdifficult position\u201d for having to oversee the appointment of a fugitive as the nation\u2019s opposition leader. He nevertheless chaired Monday\u2019s brief proceedings, and ultimately congratulated Mohamed on his victory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
#Guyanese #businessman #facing #extradition #elected #opposition #leader #Guyana<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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