Noah Adamptey, a member of the legal counsel for the Democracy Hub protesters, has justified why one of the conveners, Oliver Barker-Vormawor removed a key from a police van during the demonstration.
According to him, Mr Barker-Vormawor’s action was triggered by the Police.
The Constitutional Rights and Policy Advisor of Democracy Hub was captured in a viral video turning off the engine of a police van, taking the key and running away with them.
The incident occurred during a scuffle between protesters and the Police on Sunday, September 22, the second day of a three-day #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse and #StopGalamseyNow demonstration.
His actions have attracted widespread condemnation.
However, Mr Adamptey on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen programme Friday, explained that, Oliver acted after the Police attempted to tow the vehicle which contained the food of the protesters.
He claimed all pleas with the Police to stop the towing proved futile.
Admitting that the protesters erred, the lawyer however emphasised that the role of the Police cannot be overlooked.
“There were mistakes and the demonstrators erred but it was because of the way the police treated them. The police towed the truck which contained their food and that why was Barker-Vormawor also went for the key to the police van.
“So even though it was wrong, we should condemn the actions of the police too because this will not be the last time they will provide security during a demonstration so that we are guided going forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, Barker-Vormawor who has been remanded two weeks is facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit unlawful assembly, unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, assault on a public officer, defacement of public property, and theft.
He, however, entered a not-guilty plea on Thursday, September 26 when he was brought to court.
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