The ECOWAS court has declared as unlawful the arrest and subsequent detention of the spokesperson of the New Force Movement, Shalimar Abbiusi.
Shalimar was arrested in December 2023 for allegedly presenting false documents of being a student of the Ghana Christian University College to obtain a residence permit.
Shalimar later in filed a case against state authorities at the ECOWAS Court.
New Force Movement in a statement on November 22, 2024 said the court ruled that the rearrest and “illegal deportation” of Ms. Abbiusi was in violation of Article 6 of the Liberty of People.
Per the statement by the New Force, Ghana violated the rights of Shalimar Abbiusi according to the ECOWAS court, hence ordered a compensation from the government to the plaintiff.
“Despite the State Prosecutor dropping all charges against her Ms. Abbiusi was unlawfully detained and faced immediate illegal deportation, highlighting a troubling pattern of abuse of power by government officials aimed at suppressing political dissent.
“The court has ruled that the rearrest and illegal deportation of Ms. Abbiusi was in violation of Article 6 of the Liberty of People and has mandated compensation from the Ghanaian government,” the statement noted.
Counsel for Shalimar, Francis Xavier-Sosu expressed gratitude to the court and said “he feels vindicated that the ECOWAS court has protected the rights of Shalimar.”
The New Force reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring fairness and justice across African nations and urge the Ghanaian government to “respect human rights and uphold the rule of law, as guaranteed by our Constitution.”
“The actions against Ms. Abbiusi exemplify a broader issue of political persecution that threatens the foundations of democracy in Ghana,” the New Force declared.
They further called on civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the international community to condemn such violations and support efforts to reform governmental institutions.
Source:
3news.com
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