A group of over 12 protesters, arrested during the weekend’s #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, appeared in an Accra court today.
The demonstrators were transported in a bus under heavy security.
The arrests occurred during the three-day protest at the 37 Roundabout, where protesters voiced concerns over issues such as illegal mining and economic mismanagement.
On Sunday, a major scuffle broke out between the protesters and the police.
Among the arrested was lawyer and social media influencer Ama Governor, who was heard shouting, “emancipate yourselves from mental slavery” as she was escorted to the courtroom.
Lawyers for the protesters told the court they were unaware of the exact reason for their arrests. The demonstrators were charged with conspiracy to commit crime, namely unlawful assembly. Twelve of them pleaded not guilty, and ten were remanded into police custody until October 8.
The remaining nine accused persons also pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit crime. Earlier today, lawyers representing the protesters said they were still struggling to locate all 46 arrested protesters.
According to a member of the Protest Defense, Prince Ganaku, the police appear to be scheming to detain the protesters for an extended period. Ganaku explained that the lawyers had requested information from the police about which court the detainees would be taken to so they could prepare a defense.
