Democracy Hub: ‘Arrest of bystanders unreasonable’ – Human Right Lawyer, Selasi Dakpo

Human rights lawyer Godwin Selasi Dakpo has condemned the recent arrest of bystanders during the Democracy Hub demonstration, describing the actions as unlawful.

In an interview on ABC News in the Morning, Dakpo emphasized that while arrest may be justified when individuals are involved in destructive activities, it is unreasonable to detain those merely observing the protests.

“No person will say that such an arrest is reasonable enough,” he stated, highlighting the absurdity of arresting people simply for taking photographs at the event.

The concerns surrounding these arrests have intensified as 11 more demonstrators were remanded in court for participating in the protest against illegal mining.

Reports indicate that some of the detainees have claimed they were treated unfairly, alleging denial of basic rights such as access to washrooms, food, and medical assistance.

Among those detained is a pregnant woman, adding to the outcry over the treatment of demonstrators.

The Ghana Police Service has refuted claims of neglect, asserting that they have provided medical care to key figures among the arrested.

With the latest round of arrests bringing the total number of remanded demonstrators to 50, civil rights advocates are calling for accountability.

The last group of 11 individuals faces charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and unlawful assembly, all of whom have pleaded not guilty.