Noah Adamtey, one of the legal representatives for the Democracy Hub protestors, has raised concerns about the handling of those arrested during recent demonstrations.
He said that the police violated the human rights of the protestors during their arrest and detention, leading him to consider legal action against the state and the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
His comments come after 39 out of 40 protestors were arrested following violent clashes with the police at the 37 Intersection in Accra on Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, were remanded into police custody for two weeks.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Adamtey alleged, “There are clear indications of violations of human rights by the police in how they handled the protestors.”
“So, we are definitely considering filing a separate case against the state and the IGP over the abuses of the rights of these persons who were arrested.”
Meanwhile, the court issued a bench warrant for one protester who was previously released on police inquiry bail but failed to appear in court, despite being aware of the proceedings, according to the prosecution.
Among those sent to court, 28 were remanded into police custody, while 11 were remanded in prison custody for two weeks.
The 28 in police custody pleaded not guilty, while pleas for the 11 in prison are yet to be taken.
The lawyer for the 11 requested an adjournment to study the charges, as the charge sheet was presented to them during the court session.
All accused individuals face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime (specifically unlawful assembly), unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to a breach of peace, assault on a public officer, and defacement of public property.
The case has been adjourned until October 8, 2024.
