In a significant development, twenty-one (21) Democracy Hub protesters have been granted bail, while two individuals, including Oliver Barker-Vormawor, have been denied bail. This decision follows an appeal made by their legal representatives against a circuit court ruling that remanded 53 protesters into police and prison custody.
The accused were divided into two groups, each handled by different courts. The first group consisted of Ama Governor and eight others, including Emmanuel Gyan, Emmanuel Kwabena Addo, Ziblim Yakubu, Oheneba Prempeh, Philip Owusu Kobina, Akisibik Desmond, Von Coffie, and Sadik Yakubu.
All nine members of the first group were granted bail set at GH₵70,000, requiring two sureties each. They must report to the police once a week and deposit their Ghana cards at the court registry. Despite the state’s opposition to the bail applications, the judge favored the lawyers’ pleas.
The second group included Oliver Barker-Vormawor and twelve others. Of this group, eleven individuals, including Felicity Nelson, were granted bail. However, bail was denied for Oliver Barker-Vormawor and Funny Otoo. The court instructed that prosecution should commence within 72 hours; if not, Barker-Vormawor may be eligible for bail.
Reasons for Denial of Bail
The judge expressed concerns about the possibility of Barker-Vormawor committing another offense if released, particularly since he was already on bail for treason felony charges at the time of the protest. His lawyer, Justice Srem Sai, argued that the focus should be on whether Barker-Vormawor would stand trial, emphasizing his history of compliance during the three years of the treason felony proceedings.
The judge referenced Section 96(5c) of the Criminal Procedure Act (ACT 30), which allows the court to deny bail if there is a belief that the accused would commit another offense upon release.
The remaining twelve protesters from the second group were granted bail at GH₵20,000 with two sureties. Appeal applications have been filed for the other thirty Democracy Hub Protesters who were remanded by the circuit court two weeks ago. The ongoing legal developments surrounding the Democracy Hub Protesters continue to capture public attention.
Source: DEW360.NET
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