The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has rejected allegations that remanded Opposition Leader Azzruddin Mohamed is being subjected to inhumane treatment at Lusignan Prison, saying he has been classified as a high-profile prisoner and is being managed in keeping with established security and welfare procedures.

The Service said Mohamed was assessed and classified as a high-profile prisoner through its Prison Management Offenders System when he was admitted on Friday, October 30..

That classification, it explained, guides decisions concerning his placement, accommodation and level of supervision and is not intended as punishment.

The GPS said Mohamed was examined by a medical officer and seen by a welfare officer upon admission. He was also briefed by the Officer-in-Charge of Lusignan Prison on the institution's rules and the conditions governing his detention.

The statement comes amid claims by Mohamed’s sister, Hana Khamelia that he is being improperly isolated and subjected to inadequate ventilation, continuous lighting, restrictions on exercise and limited contact with other prisoners.

The Prison Service rejected suggestions that he was being subjected to punitive or degrading treatment outside the lawful requirements of his detention.

It said reasonable access to family members and communication had been facilitated.

On Saturday, October 31, Assistant Director of Prisons, Operations (Acting), Deoraj Gyandat, met with Mohamed's mother and two sisters to explain the arrangements for visits and telephone communication. The relatives were subsequently allowed to visit him.

The GPS said the family requested permission to provide his meals because of concerns about his safety. The request was accommodated, subject to security procedures, and a designated family member was authorised to deliver his food.

Later that day, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot and Lusignan Prison Officer-in-Charge Seon Charles visited Mohamed to assess his welfare.

During the visit, Mohamed requested permission to telephone his son ahead of the child's birthday on Sunday, November 1. The request was granted. He also asked for the fan serving his cell area to be adjusted, and prison officials said the necessary adjustment was made.

The GPS said Mohamed's conditions would continue to be monitored and that access to medical care, welfare services, family contact and other entitlements would be facilitated in accordance with established procedures.

It reaffirmed its commitment to the humane treatment of prisoners and the applicable human-rights standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.