Writing and reading materials, a welfare counselling session and cough medication were among the services provided to remanded Opposition Leader Azzruddin Mohamed on November 1, the Guyana Prison Service said.

In a statement, the Prison Service said official records show Mohamed spent about nine hours and 20 minutes outside his holding area that day. It said this contradicts any assertion that he was confined for “23 hours and 50 minutes”.

The Prison Service said Mohamed's day began at 6am, when he was unlocked for morning hygiene. Breakfast, delivered by a relative, followed at 6:40am, after which he attended a counselling session lasting about one hour and 30 minutes.

He was also allowed three telephone calls to relatives, totalling about 29 minutes. Later, he received a two-hour visit from one of his attorneys, during which a relative delivered his lunch.

In the afternoon, Mohamed was allowed hygiene at 3:35pm. Shortly afterwards, at 3:55pm, a medical officer saw him and gave him cough medication. He was then provided with writing and reading materials.

That evening, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot visited him at 7pm. The Prison Service said Mohamed told Elliot he had no complaints. Security checks were then carried out periodically through the night.

The previous day, October 31, was Mohamed's first in custody. The records show he was briefed on admission procedures, prison rules and general expectations. He also received visits from relatives and his attorneys, and was permitted a telephone call to a family member lasting about 16 minutes.

Against that background, the Prison Service said it will continue to ensure that Mohamed, like every person in its custody, is treated in accordance with the law, established procedures and applicable standards, while maintaining the security and good order of the institution.