Democracy Hub and #OccupyJulorbiHouse protestors sue police for assault

A civil society group, Democracy Hub, has filed a suit against the Ghana Police Service over the unlawful arrest, torture, and detention of protestors.

The group, who were the organisers of the ‘OccupyJulorbiHouse’ protest in September 2023, argues that the police aggressively apprehended protestors who had massed up to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to protest.

According to them, some protestors were forcibly transported to the Regional Police Headquarters in Accra, where they faced further assaults and unjustified detention.

Joined in the suit are 23 other applicants, who contend that the treatment they were subjected to, violates their fundamental rights of assembly and expression.

They added that the arrests also undermine the principles of justice and accountability in governance.

The suit, filed on Thursday, March 21, is before the Human Rights Court in Accra.

The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest witnessed the youth of Ghana expressing their displeasure at the hardship, the rising cost of living, corruption, and other issues.

Clad in black with red stripes adorning their heads, the protestors chanted patriotic songs.

They held placards with inscriptions such as ‘Our Leaders Aren’t Patriotic’, ‘No More Suffering’, and ‘Thieves in Suite’, among others, to voice their frustrations and demands.

Their huge numbers blocked roads around the 37 Military Hospital stretch leading to the Jubilee House.