Shalimar Abbiusi, spokesperson for the New Force, has won a fundamental rights violation case at the ECOWAS Court against Ghana.
The Belgian national, in January 2024, detailed the alleged injustice she endured during her arrest, detention, and subsequent repatriation.
Ms. Abbiusi said she suffered inhumane treatment at the hands of both immigration and NIB officers.
Ruling on the matter on Friday, November 22, 2024, the court held that Ghana had violated Shalimar Abbiusi’s rights. This was through what the court described as wrongful arrest, re-arrest, and her illegal deportation in December 2023, resulting in significant damage to her personal and professional reputation.
According to the court, the action against the Belgian woman contravened Article 6 of the Liberty of People, despite all charges against her being dropped by the State Prosecutor.
The court’s decision ordered compensation from the Ghanaian government, marking a significant victory for justice and accountability.
The Madina legislator, Francis-Xavier Sosu, who represented Ms. Abbiusi alongside Attorney Belinda Narkey Quaynor, expressed his gratitude for the court’s decision.
“We feel vindicated that the ECOWAS Court has protected the rights of Shalimar,” Mr. Sosu remarked.
In a statement, the New Force also reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring fairness and justice across African nations. The movement also urged the government to “respect human rights and uphold the rule of law, as guaranteed by our Constitution.”
“The actions against Ms. Abbiusi exemplify a broader issue of political persecution that threatens the foundations of democracy in Ghana,” the New Force declared.
They further called on civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and the international community to condemn such violations and support efforts to reform governmental institutions.
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Read the full statement below:
