The Minority in Parliament has described the decision of the Attorney General to file an application of nolle prosequi in the case involving eight members of pro-government vigilante group Delta Force and thereby freeing them, as a “slap on the face of the rule of law”.
A Kumasi Circuit Court on Wednesday, 17 May, struck out the case against the eight persons who aided the escape of 13 of their members arrested for assaulting Ashanti regional security coordinator George Agyei.
The court, presided over by Her Honour Patricia Amponsah, discontinued the case because the prosecution said they lacked evidence against the accused.
The prosecutor, ACP Okyere Darko, had told the court the AG had advised that they discontinue the case due to lack of evidence.
The eight were charged with causing disturbances in court, resisting arrest, and rescuing persons in lawful custody.
But the Minority, at a press conference addressed by its leader Haruna Iddrisu, described the move as an “affront to the rule of law”.
He said: “Our attention has been drawn to a very bizarre legal development in the country which at best can be described as a slap on the face of the rule of law and travesty of justice which will undermine the administration of justice in our country and, therefore, an affront to the rule of law and to the judiciary.
“And we are referring to the improper withdrawal via nolle prosequi – refused to pursue or do not prosecute. …We understand that the Attorney General has filed a nolle prosequi in respect of persons who were before court and arraigned appropriately so, after that demonstrable conduct which was condemned by all including civil society and persons who want justice delivery to be respected …We are not surprised because the decision by the Attorney General is in confirmation to the claim by leading members of the New Patriotic Party at the time of the lawless actions of the Delta Force that the culprits would be set free and indeed they are being set free.”
According to Mr Iddrisu, government has pondered to partisan pressure at the cost of justice delivery in the country.
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