In recent news, the High Court in Accra (Human Rights Division) made a significant decision to strike out an action brought by Democracy Hub and 23 other applicants against the Ghana Police Service. The case was dismissed due to want of prosecution, as both the plaintiffs and their lawyers, as well as the defendants, were absent when the case was called on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
The lawsuit was filed against the Ghana Police Service (GPS) regarding an alleged unlawful arrest, torture, and detention of protestors during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration in September 2023. The Attorney General was also attached to the suit.
According to a statement signed by Benjamin Akuffo Darko, one of the plaintiffs, the organization claimed that the arrested demonstrators were assaulted at the Regional Police Headquarters in Accra. The statement highlighted that more than fifty police officers encircled and aggressively apprehended demonstrators who had gathered to exercise their constitutional right to protest. It further stated that the detainees would have been detained for over 10 hours at the police station if not for the assistance of volunteer lawyers.
The plaintiffs contended that the treatment they received not only violated their fundamental rights of assembly and expression but also undermined the principles of justice and accountability in governance. As a result, they filed a case at the Human Rights Court in Accra on March 21, 2024, seeking redress for the alleged violations.
The reliefs sought by the applicants included compensation for damages incurred, unlawful collection of monies while detained, general damages, costs, and any other remedies deemed fit by the court. Additionally, a list of all 24 applicants was provided in the statement.
The release from Democracy Hub emphasized that the legal action represented a crucial step forward in the fight against impunity and in the defense of democratic freedoms in Ghana. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rule of law and ensuring that all citizens can safely exercise their rights without fear of repression.
It is important to note that while the case has been struck out for want of prosecution, the underlying issues raised by the plaintiffs regarding alleged violations of their rights remain significant. The decision of the High Court in Accra underscores the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring accountability within law enforcement agencies.
As developments unfold, it will be crucial to monitor how this case progresses and its implications for human rights and democratic freedoms in Ghana. The outcome of this legal action could have far-reaching effects on the protection of citizens' rights and the promotion of accountability within law enforcement agencies.
-source starrfm | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
