Democracy Hub and 23 other Applicants have sued the Ghana Police Service over the unlawful arrest, torture and detention of the protestors during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration on 21st September 2023.
“As you would recall, On the morning of 21st September, more than fifty police officers encircled and aggressively apprehended demonstrators who had congregated to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to protest. These citizens were then forcibly transported to the Regional Police Headquarters in Accra, where they faced further assaults and were detained without just cause.
“Thanks to the diligent efforts of several volunteer lawyers, the detainees were released after enduring ten hours of unjustified detention, extortion and torture,” Applicant Democracy Hub, Benjamin Akuffo Darko stated in a press release.
He continued: “In response, Democracy Hub and the protestors have filed a case at the Human Rights Court in Accra on 21st March 2024. The Applicants contend that the treatment they were subjected to not only violates their fundamental rights of assembly and expression but also undermines the principles of justice and accountability in governance.”
Attached below is the full statement
For Immediate Release
22nd March 2024
Democracy Hub and #OccupyJulorbiHouse protestors sue the Ghana Police Service for Unlawful Arrests, Detention, and Assault of Protesters
Accra, Ghana – Democracy Hub and 23 other Applicants have sued the Ghana Police Service over the unlawful arrest, torture and detention of the protestors during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration on 21st September 2023.
As you would recall, On the morning of 21st September, more than fifty police officers encircled and aggressively apprehended demonstrators who had congregated to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to protest. These citizens were then forcibly transported to the Regional Police Headquarters in Accra, where they faced further assaults and were detained without just cause.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of several volunteer lawyers, the detainees were released after enduring ten hours of unjustified detention, extortion and torture.
In response, Democracy Hub and the protestors have filed a case at the Human Rights Court in Accra on 21st March 2024. The Applicants contend that the treatment they were subjected to not only violates their fundamental rights of assembly and expression but also undermines the principles of justice and accountability in governance.
This legal action represents a crucial step forward in the fight against impunity and in the defense of democratic freedoms in Ghana. Democracy Hub remains committed to advocating for the rule of law and ensuring that all citizens can safely exercise their rights without fear of repression.
About Democracy Hub
Democracy Hub is an organization dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights within the framework of public governance. Democracy is the convenor of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse and #FixTheCountry- protest movements.
For further information, please contact:
Applicant Democracy Hub
Benjamin Akuffo Darko,
Tel:+233 24 422 0075
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
