An Accra High Court has awarded GH¢150,000 in damages against the Ghana Police Service for violating the rights of journalist Bridget Otoo and two others during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests.
The court also ordered the Police Service to pay an additional GH¢30,000 to cover legal costs incurred by the three applicants in pursuing the case.
Delivering judgment, Justice Brew held that officers of the Ghana Police Service violated the fundamental rights of journalists and activists they were duty-bound to protect. The judge reportedly described the actions of the police as “unconstitutional,” citing unlawful interference, assault, and abuse during the protest.
According to the court’s findings, Bridget Otoo was assaulted during the protest, with officers allegedly tearing her blouse in the process.
Another applicant, Vanessa Edotom Boateng, was unlawfully detained, while her mobile phone was allegedly seized to prevent her from recording acts of brutality.
The third applicant, George Gyening Anyang, told the court he was physically assaulted while livestreaming events at the regional police station. The court heard that he was allegedly slapped, punched, and beaten with a metallic belt and baton by officers.
As part of the ruling, the court further ordered the Ghana Police Service to publish an unqualified apology in the Daily Graphic newspaper.
The case stems from incidents that occurred during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests, which drew widespread public attention over concerns about police handling of demonstrators and journalists covering the exercise.
The protest was organised by Democracy Hub to pressure the then-Akufo-Addo-led government to address the country’s economic challenges and investigate allegations of corruption.
The protesters, who were demonstrating against the government’s economic policies and alleged corruption, were met with force from the police on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Almost 50 protesters, including journalists, were arrested.
The incident sparked public outrage, with many accusing the police of using excessive force against unarmed civilians.
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