Seven Democracy Hub Protesters Acquitted

The acquittal of seven out of 53 Democracy Hub protesters standing trial marked a dramatic change in events. Following the release of 19 protesters held in custody, charges against the following seven have also been dropped: Kingsley Adiedu, Seth Cofie, Gloria Louis, Nii Quaye Hammond, Manuel Biney, Joseph Dorsese, and Ernest Acheampong.

The state, through attorneys, intimated to the court that it would not further prosecute the trial against these seven accused. Further, they stated that they had filed a second additional set of disclosures and statements of witnesses that would be tendered on the next hearing, which is fixed for 21st November 2024.

Nicholas Normeshie, attorney for the released protesters, hailed the move by the state and maintained that his clients had been innocent all along. He even cast doubt on any possible re-arrest, citing that if the state wanted to do so, it should have done so right after the release of his clients.

"The state did the right thing by dismissing charges against my clients, given their conspicuous innocence," said Normeshie. "They will not be re-arrested."

Their discharge, however, does not mark the end of the legal battle because the rest will go on trial over the coming weeks. The Democracy Hub protests have become a window into the shifting political climate in Ghana, and this case will likely be remembered as a landmark ruling in the continuing debate over citizens' rights and how the state handles dissent.

Interest will now be focused again on the next court appearance that might influence the verdict of this high-profile case.