The Accra Circuit Court yesterday discharged seven out of the 53 Democracy Hub protesters.
This was after the prosecution discontinued the case against the accused, and asked the court, presided over Mr Obiri Yeboah, to discharge them.
Those discharged include Kngsley Adiedu, Seth Cofie, Gloria Louis, Nii Quaye Hammond, Manuel Biney, Joseph Dorsese, and Ernest Acheampong.
The case has been adjourned to November 21.
The fact according to the prosecution is that, the accused were part of a group of protesters.
Mrs Amanda Awadey, the prosecutor, has told the court last week that on July 9, 2024, the Ghana Police Service received notice from a group known as ‘Democracy Hub,’ informing them of their intention to hold a protest dubbed ‘#Wetaya Demonstration.’
Ms Awadey noted that the group requested the police to provide them with security and protection for the intended demonstration.
She said the group indicated that they intended to protest at the Revolutionary Square, opposite the Jubilee House, the seat of government.
The court heard that after several meetings with the police, the group was advised by the police to propose an alternative venue as the chosen venue was considered a security zone and likely to affect public order and lead to violence or endanger public defence.
Mrs Awadey stated that on September 18, 2024, an order of the High Court prohibited the group from embarking on the intended demonstration at the Revolutionary Square.
Furthermore, she said, the police subsequently communicated to the order to convener of the group, and suggested seven different locations to be used for the protest in the interest of public order.
Ms Awadey indicated that the group rejected the proposed venues and elected to protest at the 37 Roundabout, which was rejected by the police.
She said on September 21, the group embarked on a protest and gathered around the 37 Roundabout, insisting to proceed to the Revolutionary Square.
Ms Awadey stated that the police mounted barricades around the 37 Roundabout in a bid to maintain security and order.
The State Attorney told the court that the barricades restrained the demonstrators from proceeding to the Revolutionary Square.
But, they suddenly turned chaotic as the accused resorted to blocking the major roads with stones and vehicles delaying access to the roundabout, the court heard.
This, according to the prosecution caused serious traffic within the Liberation Road, the El walk Stadium, the Kawukudi road and its environs.
“This caused significant traffic, delay, inconvenience and annoyance for commuters,” Mrs Awadey added.
Moreover, she noted that the accused also pulled down billboards and burnt electoral posters and flags of political parties.
Again, the Mrs Awadey said the accused forcefully pushed down the police barricade that was used to secure the area, obstructing the effort of the police to maintain peace and security.
BY MALIK SULLEMANA