The prosecution handling the cases of the Democracy Hub protesters has refuted claims of mistreatment of the accused while in custody, insisting that they are receiving proper care.
Currently, 53 protesters have been remanded, with 9 in prison and the rest in police custody.
Defence lawyers have accused the police of maltreatment, including denial of food and medical care. Justice Srem Sai, representing Oliver Barker-Vormawor, claimed that his client and other cellmates were in distress due to a lack of medical attention during an emergency. He alleged that Barker-Vormawor only received care after collapsing.
During the bail hearing, defence lawyers pushed for their clients’ release, citing these conditions. However, the prosecution countered, asserting that the accused are adequately fed, even receiving meals from Papaye, a popular local restaurant. This claim sparked outrage from the defense.
Superintendent Sylvester Asare, head of legal for the Ghana Police Service, supported the prosecution’s statements, noting that he personally oversaw food distribution to the detainees.
The prosecution also opposed bail, expressing concerns about the unknown addresses of some of the accused. After reviewing the arguments, the judge denied the bail applications, remanding the protesters into custody until October 8.
Following the court proceedings, the remanded protesters expressed their dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs. This came after Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 other Democracy Hub members were remanded in police custody for two weeks, awaiting their next court appearance on October 8.
This brings the total number of individuals charged for their involvement in the protest disturbances to 53.
Source: Hanson Agyemang
