Accra, Aug. 13, GNA – The Interior Ministry has ordered a police investigation into the assault of a suspect while in handcuffs and police custody.
The ministry directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to establish how civilians gained access to the suspect and determine whether any police personnel facilitated, permitted or acquiesced in the breach of custody.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the ministry’s Public Affairs and Communications Unit on Thursday, which said officers found culpable should face appropriate disciplinary action.
The IGP was also directed to identify, arrest and investigate the civilians involved in the assault in accordance with the law.
The ministry also directed the Police to investigate the conduct of all supervising officers responsible for the custody and supervision of the persons involved and take appropriate disciplinary action against any officer found culpable.
The directives followed an incident involving the assault of an arrested person while in police custody.
“The Ministry is particularly concerned that the incident followed statements attributed to persons on both sides of a religious dispute, including calls for violence against persons considered to have offended religious sensibilities.
The Ministry unequivocally condemns all such statements, as there is no justification for inciting violence against Christians, Muslims, or any other person on the basis of religion,” the statement said.
The ministry said no allegation of breach of the law, however serious, justified the assault of a suspect in police custody.
” An arrested person is in custody of the State and is entitled to the protection of the law. The circumstances under which civilians gained access to the person in custody are therefore a matter of serious concern,” the statement said.
It said the Minister had also directed the Police to deal with persons arrested in connection with the preceding incidents strictly in accordance with the law and without fear or favour.
“The Ministry’s position is clear: religious incitement, religious violence and the unlawful assault of persons in custody have no place in Ghana. No religious belief, personal grievance or other consideration places anyone above the law.”
The ministry said it remained committed to maintaining public order, protecting the rights of persons in custody and promoting peaceful coexistence among citizens of all faiths and backgrounds.
Meanwhile, the Police have arrested Sibamay Zakaria, 65, who was captured in a viral video assaulting a suspect in handcuffs.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Joyce Danso
Email: [email protected]