Protesters arrested during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration over the weekend have appeared at the Accra court today.
The group, numbering over 12, was transported in a bus under heavy security presence.
#StopGalamseyNow Demo: Arrested Democracy hub protesters arrive in court amid heavy police presence.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/PTupURgqET
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) September 24, 2024
The arrests occurred over the three-day protest at the 37 Roundabout, where the demonstrators were voicing concerns over issues such as illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and economic mismanagement.
On Sunday, September 22, another major scuffle broke out between the Democracy Hub protesters and the Ghana Police Service during the second day of the protest.
Lawyer and social media influencer Ama Governor was part of the arrested persons.
As she is escorted to the courtroom, she is heard shouting, "emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.”
Another set of peaceful Protestors are brought in. #FreeTheCitizens pic.twitter.com/XeuyBUBLbW
— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) September 24, 2024
Lawyers for the protestors have told the court that they have not been informed of the exact reason for their arrests.
In court, the demonstrators were charged with conspiracy to commit crime, namely; unlawful assembly.
JoyNews' Correspondent Kenneth Gyasi indicates that 12 of them have so far pleaded not guilty.
Ten of the accused persons whose cases were just heard have been remanded into police custody.
Their case has been adjourned to October 8, 2024.
The next batch of 9 accused persons pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit crime, namely unlawful assembly.
Earlier today, lawyers representing the protestors said they were still struggling to locate all 46 protesters arrested.
According to a member of the Protest Defense, Prince Ganaku, they are yet to be fully informed about the whereabouts of all the protesters, stating that the police appear to be scheming to detain the protesters for an extended period.
Mr Ganaku explained that the lawyers had requested information from the police about which court the Democracy Hub detainees would be taken to so they could prepare a defense.
However, the police failed to provide any information.
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