The Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, Rose Bio Atinga, has defended the arrest and prosecution of a New Patriotic Party sympathiser at an Accra radio station on Thursday. Nana Darkwa was picked up for categorically stating that ex-President Jerry Rawlings was responsible for torching his own house on Sunday, 14th February, 2010. Since the arrest, and particularly given the speed of prosecution, the police have come under a barrage of criticism with the minority in parliament accusing the government of using the coercive machinery of state to silence critics. But in an interview with Citi News, Rose Bio Atinga intimated the comments made by Nana Darkwa have serious national implications. She observed that the house in question is a state asset and for anybody to impute a motive of arson must be ready to substantiate his claims or face the consequences. This she said is in line with the democratic principles and the rule of law which is currently operating in the country. She explained that Mike Ocquaye, one of the lawyers of Nana Darkwa even suggested that his client be hauled before court. Story by Myjoyonlineonline.com/Ghana