Public advised not to tag lawyers of suspected killer of JB Danquah

A former Director at the Educational Department of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has advised the public against tagging lawyers who may want to defend the suspected killer of J.B. Danquah-Adu.

Tensions have been high since the former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North Constituency was murdered in cold blood in his bedroom last week Tuesday in Accra.

Many have prayed for the execution of those behind the heinous crime. A 19-year-old Daniel Asiedu is being held by the police as a suspect.

Lawyers who brave the odd to defend criminals have often courted public anger, but the former Director at CHRAJ Chris Dadzie explained, Ghana’s laws stipulate that irrespective of the crime, suspects should be represented in court.

Ironically, it is incumbent on the state to get legal representation for suspecting it is prosecuting, she added.

Mrs. Dadzie who is also a former President of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Ghana) was speaking on Onua FM’s morning show Yen Sempa.

However, when Daniel Asiedu appeared before an Accra Magistrate court Tuesday, he had no counsel as many fear they would be tagged as supporting criminality. But the Legal Aid, which offers pro bono services to suspects, has promised to arrange for a legal representation for the suspect on the next appearance on March 1.

“The public should not tag these lawyers because it is a constitutional provision that must be respected,” Mrs. Dadzie cautioned.

She also spoke against instant justice where people are lynched without recourse to fair trial.