Democracy Hub, organisers of the three-day #StopGalamseyNow and #ReoccupyJulorHouse demonstrations, have raised concerns regarding the relocation of detained protesters.
According to the group, reports from the legal team indicate that protesters who were detained after the demonstrations are being transferred from their initial remand locations to undisclosed police facilities without prior notice or explanation to either the protesters or their legal representatives.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 1, the group described the development as alarming, stressing that such actions “amount to abuse of power and administrative injustice.”
The group further criticised the misinformation given to the detained protesters regarding the reasons for their relocation, calling it an arbitrary and unfair use of administrative power.
They also condemned the police for interrogating protesters without their lawyers present or notifying them in advance, which they said violated the protesters’ rights.
“This questioning was conducted without first allowing the detainees access to their assigned legal counsel, which is a direct violation of their rights,” part of the statement read.
Democracy Hub further expressed concern that the actions of the police infringe upon fair trial rights, as outlined in Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees access to legal counsel and adequate time for accused persons to prepare their defense.
“These actions by the police offend fair trial rules enshrined under Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution which includes access to lawyers by accused persons and offering them adequate time and facilities to prepare their defence against the criminal charges,” it said.
In light of this, Democracy Hub described the police actions as part of intimidation and manipulative tactics aimed at coercing detainees into changing their pleas.
“We find these actions by the police to be highly alarming and a blatant disregard for due process and the constitutional rights of the detained individuals. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as we work to ensure their safe release,” the group added.
Read the full statement below.
