Latest update February 10th, 2025 2:25 PM
High Court grants bail to visiting Muslim teachers
Appar Seddqui (left) and Abdul Rahman Panawala
The two Muslim teachers whom Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson denied bail on Monday, were yesterday granted $100,000 bail in the High Court by Chief Justice Ian Chang.
The two men, Abdul Rahman Panawala, 36, and Appar Seddqui, 45, are accused of overstaying their time in this country.
It was alleged that Abdul Rahman Panawala, on April 3, having entered Guyana on Wednesday November 26, 2008, was granted permission to stay until November 29, that year, but failed to comply with the condition. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
His colleague Appar Seddqui entered Guyana on August 8, 2005, and was permitted to stay until August 31, 2005, but also failed to comply with the condition. He too pleaded not guilty.
Yesterday as the matter was called before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson, attorney for the accused, Nigel Hughes, asked that since his clients were granted bail in the High Court, the court should fix a date for the commencement of the trial.
Police Prosecutor Denise Griffith said that the prosecution is currently awaiting feedback from the Ministry of Home Affairs. She added that more charges are likely to be laid against the defendants.
The prosecutor said that she preferred a date for a report because of the likelihood of more charges been instituted against the defendants. The matter was adjourned until April 24.
Hughes had stated earlier that each year the CIOG applies for its clients’ extensions and they are granted a stay in the country, adding that the latest was in 2008.
He said that both clients were given work permits by the Guyana Revenue Authority, adding that they have contributed to the country.
Hughes said that it unfortunate that the Ministry of Home Affairs does not look at these applications speedily.
The lawyer said that there are at present applications at the Ministry for the two defendants. The lawyer said that Seddqui after being in Guyana since 2005 has filed for naturalised status.
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