In a startling revelation, lawyers for the Democracy Hub protesters, currently held in police custody, have alleged that some of their clients were transported to the 37 Military Hospital intersection and forced to re-enact their recent protest for police cameras. This event has raised concerns over the treatment of the detained individuals, and the incident is quickly gaining national attention.
A total of 53 protesters were arrested during the "Re-OccupyJulorbiHouse" protest and charged with various offenses, including unlawful assembly. These individuals are now in police and prison custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. The protesters are expected to return to court on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, while some will have their bail applications heard on Monday, October 7, at the High Court.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 6, 2024, the legal team representing the detainees condemned the actions of the police, detailing how their clients were subjected to a forced re-enactment of the protest. According to the statement, this occurred on Thursday, October 3, 2024, when the police allegedly transported some of the detained protesters back to the 37 Intersection.
The legal team outlined several concerns regarding the actions of law enforcement. "Some of the protesters who are in police custody have informed our team of lawyers that the police did the following to them: transported them to the 37 Intersection and forced them to re-enact the protest for police cameras, refused to disclose their identities to them, and denied them the right to have their lawyers present during the interrogation exercise," the statement read.
The allegations have sparked outrage among civil society groups and human rights advocates, who are questioning the police's conduct. Many view the forced re-enactment as a violation of the protesters' rights, further intensifying criticism of the government’s handling of dissent and peaceful assembly.
As the case unfolds, the legal defense team remains committed to seeking justice for their clients, calling for transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies. The coming days will see heightened legal activity, with the courts expected to rule on the bail applications of the protesters. Public attention is also expected to remain firmly fixed on how the judicial process addresses the rights and treatment of the detained individuals.
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