Justice Minister Chandrikapesad Santokhi

Sources indicate that the justice minister was one of the targets. Santokhi however wouldn’t disclose the names of persons on this assassination list.

When the minister was informed that Khan and three other Guyanese nationals were captured he immediately ordered maximum security for the detainees to prevent a possible break-out of jail. Khan is being heavily guarded by the special forces of the Suriname police SWAT-team that have arrested him.

In an interview, the Justice Minister said that it is “a serious intention of the authorities to take Mr Khan for a extended period out of the community”. Not only did he pose a threat to national security in Guyana, but he was also a threat against security in the region since he allegedly was involved in cocaine trafficking and illegal arms trade.

Speaking to de Ware Tijd newspaper in Suriname, Khan’s lawyer Glenn Hanoman said that for the moment his client is safer and better off in Surinamese custody. According to Hanoman, Khan went into hiding in Suriname in fear for his life in Guyana.

“He has been hiding not because of criminal offences, but out of fear for his life, because the Police Commissioner wants to kill him. I hope the Surinamese government keeps him here instead of sending him back. He will be safer after the Police Commissioner retires,” said the lawyer.

Hanoman further added that in Guyana there are no charges against his client and he is not wanted for any criminal offence. “They wanted him for questioning and it is his right not to appear.”

Responding to a possible extradition of his client to the United States of America, Hanoman questioned if such were possible since, according to him, there don’t exist an extradition treaty between Suriname and the US.

If eventually Khan is taken to the airport by the Surinamese authorities and handed over to the US “it is aiding and abetting illegal kidnapping,” said the lawyer.

Hanoman hopes that his client, who has claimed being beaten by the police, will get medical attention as soon as possible.