Leadership of Democracy Hub, organisers of the ReOccupy Julorbi demonstration, has accused the Ghana Police Service of maltreating the demonstrators arrested.
A statement issued by Democracy Hub alleged that the police have refused those arrested access to their lawyers, which they described as a blatant disregard for their fundamental human rights.
The group said those arrested have refused all attempts to provide arrested protestors with water, food, female hygiene products, and basic toiletries. This deliberate act of depriving individuals of their basic needs is not only inhumane but also a gross violation of their rights.
Below is the statement from Democracy Hub
*UPDATE ON ARRESTS AND POLICE HANDLING OF PROTESTORS*
22 September 2024 – 8pm
We wish to provide the following update on the ongoing situation concerning the arrest and detention of protestors from the #SayNoToGalamsey and #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration:
1. *Refusal to Disclose Total Number of Arrests:* The Ghana Police Service continues to refuse to disclose the total number of individuals arrested. Based on our own estimations and reports, there are currently 32 individuals unaccounted for.
2. *Denial of Access to Legal Representation:* The police have refused to grant the arrested persons access to legal counsel, which is a blatant violation of their fundamental rights. This obstruction of justice is deeply concerning and goes against the rule of law.
3. *Lack of Information on Detainee Locations:* Despite repeated requests, the police have refused to provide information on the exact locations where the arrested persons are being held. This lack of transparency only heightens concerns about their safety and well-being.
4. *Frequent Transfers Between Stations:* The arrested individuals are being frequently moved from one police station to another, making it extremely difficult to track their whereabouts and provide necessary legal support. This strategy of constantly transferring detainees seems designed to frustrate and prevent any form of assistance or intervention.
5. *Stations Identified So Far:* Based on our intelligence and ongoing efforts, we have identified the following police stations where protestors are either currently being held or have been rotated through:
– Jamestown Police Station
– Adabraka Police Station
– Nima Police Station
– Ministries Police Station
– Taifa Police Station
– Westland’s Police Station
– Accra Central Police Station
– Tesano Police Station
– Legon Police Station
– Ringway Police Station
– Kaneshie Police Station
6. *Denial of Basic Necessities:* The police have refused all attempts to provide arrested protestors with water, food, female hygiene products, and basic toiletries. This deliberate act of depriving individuals of their basic needs is not only inhumane but also a gross violation of their rights.
We strongly condemn these actions by the Ghana Police Service and demand that they respect the rights of every individual in their custody. We urge all concerned citizens, civil society organisations, and the international community to join us in demanding justice, transparency, and humane treatment for all protestors.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as necessary.
Signed
Democracy Hub
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
