
Audio By Carbonatix
The Magistrate's Court in Adjabeng has deferred hearing of the case involving Kennedy Agyapong.The court says the charge of treason is too heavy for it to handle.The court has subsequently declined jurisdiction of the case, imploring the prosecution to use the appropriate forum.The court cited a circular which emanated from the office of the Judicial Secretary in June 2008 in which crimes such treason, hijacking, robbery and narcotics offences ought to be sent to the Office of the Chief Justice for a court to be selected.A lawyer, Nana Asante Bediatuo in an interview with Joy News' Anny Osabutey, who was present at the court mocked at what he said were the "comedy of errors" by the prosecution.According to him, Ken Agyapong was charged with treason under section 180 of the Criminal Offences Act but said there was no such thing as treason under that section."What is there is high treason and as you may know the constitution differentiates between treason and high treason,"He said the facts the state have proffered against Kennedy Agyapong to underpin the charge of treason appear to be the one in Article 19 (17) of the constitution."That section does not make provision for punishment," he stated, adding that "you cannot be charged and prosecuted for a crime unless that crime is defined in law and the penalty for it also prescribed by law."On the charge of genocide which has also been slapped on the Assin North MP, the constitutional lawyer said the elements of genocide cannot be established in this particular case.He said nobody has been killed or inflicted with bodily harm, key elements he said, were crucial for a charge of genocide to hold.
Asante Bediatuo was convinced with such charges the prosecution was bound to fail.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Sporting CP vs Arsenal Champions League preview: Where to watch, predicted line-ups, form, coaches’ thoughts
10 minutes -
Real Madrid vs Bayern München Champions League preview: Where to watch, predicted line-ups, form, coaches’ thoughts
17 minutes -
CIB Ghana Post-MPC policy seminar urges action to turn macroeconomic stability into jobs
19 minutes -
Maguire signs one-year contract at Man Utd
22 minutes -
GACL chairman says airport levy to fund projects, completion targeted within 24 months
35 minutes -
Sugar sacks now used to bag cocoa under Mahama government – Annoh-Dompreh raises concerns
40 minutes -
President Mahama will sign LGBTQ Bill when it reaches him — NDC’s Wonder Madilo
41 minutes -
NADMO issues alert on Chlorine gas leak at Baifikrom Water Treatment Plant
44 minutes -
Airport congestion, ageing facilities justify new levy — GACL Chairman
56 minutes -
Runway at risk: GACL Chair warns of potential downgrade and sewage disaster at Accra Int’l Airport
59 minutes -
Annoh-Dompreh leads Minority Caucus tour to spotlight cocoa sector challenges
59 minutes -
Adorye urges government to safeguard fuel supply amid global tensions
1 hour -
Agalga reveals regional airports are bleeding and survive on Accra International Airport subsidies
1 hour -
Western North police arrest 4 suspected fake National Security operatives over alleged mining site raid
2 hours -
We cannot build an aviation hub on 2010 rates – Agalga defends new airport levies
2 hours