The continued detention of Afoko "unconstitutional"; release him now – Sosu

General News of Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Source: Myjoyonline.com

2019-04-16

Francis-Xavier Sosu, a lawyer and human rights activist, called on the government to release Gregory Afoko from an "illegal detention".

His appeal comes after the Court of Appeal dismissed the Attorney General's request to stay the execution of a previous bail granted to Mr. Afoko.

Known as a strong supporter of a fair trial, Sosu also said that Mr. Gregory Afoko's continued detention was "unconstitutional".

In a recent Facebook publication, the human rights activist hinted that the rule of law rules require that when people are detained for an unreasonably long period of time, regardless of any other measure that may be legally accessible to the state, that person must be protected. released.

He wrote: "#Justice #For # All # InJustice #For #No

Thank you to the Court of Appeal for upholding Gregory Afoko's constitutional right.

We must understand that the same law that defines crimes and gives the power of arrest, detention and trial is the same law that requires people to be released unconditionally or on conditions that will allow them to stand trial. Why stop Greg's bail ???

Article 14 (4) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. (4) Where a person arrested, restricted or detained under paragraph 3 (a) or (b) of this article is not tried within a reasonable time, then, without prejudice to any subsequent proceedings that may be brought against him, he shall be released unconditionally or on reasonable conditions, including, without limitation, conditions reasonably necessary to enable him to appear at a later date for a trial or for a preliminary trial.

Gregory Afoko's continued detention after bail is unconstitutional and a violation of his fundamental rights.

# ReleaseGregoryAfokoNow. # RuleOfLaw # JusticeForAll ".

Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal, Judge Clemence Honyenuga, said Monday, April 15 that the Attorney General had not demonstrated any exceptional circumstances requiring the Court to suspend the bail of Gregory Afoko once the conditions are met.

Context

Gregory Afoko has been on trial since 2015 for the murder of the former president of the New Patriotic Party, Upper Upper East, Adams Mahama.

His trial was however questioned after the arrest of the man alleged to be his accomplice. Asakba Alangdi was arrested earlier this year, which led the Attorney General to file a prosequi nose and start all over again, even if the trial was taking place at the step addresses.