The Law Society of Ghana (LSG) has strongly condemned the recent unlawful arrests and brutal treatment of demonstrators during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.
In a press statement issued on Friday, September 23, 2023, the LSG decried what it termed “senseless brutalities and assaults” on peaceful protestors.
A particular incident highlighted by the LSG was the arrest and assault of Lawyer Richmond Rockson, which the society likened to the dark days of the country’s colonial era.
Additionally, numerous instances of police officers allegedly subjecting civilians, including Metro TV Journalist Vanessa, to physical mistreatment during the peaceful demonstration were brought to attention.
“The arrest and assault on Lawyer Richmond Rockson is a reminiscence of the dark days of the country’s colonial era. Numerous Police officers were also seen virtually assaulting Metro TV journalists (Vanessa) and other innocent civilians simply demonstrating to call on the attention of the Government to address the unprecedented corruption that has bedevilled the country.”
“The conduct of the Ghana Police so crazy about preventing simple demonstration in the country tell how low Ghana’s democracy has fallen in the eyes of the reasonable man and the international community,” the statement read.
The LSG also expressed its deep disappointment in the perceived suppression of democratic rights and the blatant abuse of human rights.
The Law Society of Ghana, in no uncertain terms, declared that it would not tolerate such blatant disregard for the rule of law and called out what it saw as an alarming trend of state security institutions, such as the Ghana Police and National Security, attempting to stifle the voices of citizens.
Moreover, the LSG called upon the National Peace Council to break its silence and condemn the alleged misconduct of state security institutions. The group also called on civil society organizations, religious bodies, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to join in condemning what they described as “barbaric heinous crimes” attributed to the government and the Ghana Police.
“LSG finally condemn these Police brutalities the Lawyer Richmond Rockson and the peaceful demonstrators in no uncertain terms and urgently call on the Government and the Police IGP to as a matter of urgency investigate the conduct of those unprofessional Police officers and those found culpable brought to book immediately.”
Read the full statement here:
22nd September 2023.
For immediate Press Release
LSG EXPRESSES SHOCK AND CONDEMNS POLICE ARREST AND BRUTALITIES
AGAINST LAWYERS AND JULORBI DEMONSTRATORS.
The Law Society of Ghana (LSG) expresses deep shock and condemns the Police’s unlawful arrest and brutalities against yesterday’s demonstrators and the senseless brutalities and assault on the peaceful demonstrators.
The arrest and assault on Lawyer Richmond Rockson is a reminiscence of the dark days of the country’s colonial era. Numerous Police officers were also seen virtually assaulting Metro TV journalists (Vanessa) and other innocent civilians simply demonstrating to call on the attention of the Government to address the unprecedented corruption that has bedevilled the country.
The conduct of the Ghana Police so crazy about preventing simple demonstrations in the country tells how low Ghana’s democracy has fallen in the eyes of the reasonable man and the international community.
The Law Society of Ghana will not accept such disregard for the rule of law and the blatant abuse of human rights at this period of our democracy. LSG will continue to hold the government responsible for these criminal exploits from state security institutions like the Ghana Police and National Security aimed at promoting a culture of silencing its citizenry.
The Law Society of Ghana calls on the National Peace Council to wake up from its slumber and speak out to condemn such unscrupulous conduct from state security institutions. What however surprises LSG is how the National Peace Council can remain silent as if they are in bed with the government in promoting this culture of silence in our democratic discourse. Â
LSG also call on other Civil Society Organizations, Religious bodies and well-meaning Ghanaians to condemn barbaric heinous crime by the government and the Ghana Police.
LSG finally condemned these Police brutalities of the Lawyer Richmond Rockson and the peaceful demonstrators in no uncertain terms and urgently called on the Government and the Police IGP to as a matter of urgency investigate the conduct of those unprofessional Police officers and those found culpable brought to book immediately.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
………………………………..
- Sam Atukwei Quaye, Esq.
General Secretary
- Alex Tsum Barimah, Esq.
Director of Communication
