Democracy Hub and 23 other applicants have sued the Ghana Police Service (GPS) over an alleged unlawful arrest, torture, and detention of protestors during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration in September, 2023.

In a press release signed by Benjamin Akuffo Darko, the organisation said arrested demonstrators were assaulted at the Regional Police Headquarters in Accra.

 “21st September, more than fifty police officers encircled and aggressively apprehended demonstrators who had congregated to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to protest.

“These citizens were then forcibly transported to the Regional Police Headquarters in Accra, where they faced further assaults and were detained without just cause,” portions of the release read.

• Read also: #OccupyJulorBiHouse demonstrators arrested

But for the benevolence of some volunteer lawyers, the group said the detainees would have been detained for more than 10 hours at the police station.

Considering the actions and activities of the police, the group said it had filed a case at the Human Rights court on March 21.

“In response, Democracy Hub and the protestors have filed a case at the Human Rights Court in Accra on 21st March 2024. The Applicants contend that the treatment they were subjected to not only violates their fundamental rights of assembly and expression but also undermines the principles of justice and accountability in governance,” the release added.

Additionally, the release stated that “This legal action represents a crucial step forward in the fight against impunity and in the defense of democratic freedoms in Ghana. Democracy Hub remains committed to advocating for the rule of law and ensuring that all citizens can safely exercise their rights without fear of repression."