FixtheCountry Demands Independent Probe Into “Extrajudicial Killings” By Security Force

The FixTheCountry movement has called for the establishment of an independent probe into allegations of extrajudicial killings and injuries by the members of the security agencies.

The group wants the government to set up an independent civilian expert body to undertake the investigations.

“The body should be tasked to undertake investigations concerning every action by members of the Security Forces and other agents of the State that results in death or injury to persons or the abuse of the rights of persons, and such connected matters.”

“We note that several experts share our view that the fact that police are allowed to investigate themselves not only accounts for the failure to stop the violence in police encounters but also compounds the problem of extra-judicial killings and violence.

“The PIPS process, we have found, does not work effectively; and if we are committed to reform, we must be prepared to explore independent mechanisms that promote accountability and promote faith in our democracy.

“There are several examples of how these mechanisms have worked in other developing countries. For instance, Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigation started work in 2010, and not only investigates police killings but also publishes extensive data on such killings”.

In addition to that, the movement wants the government to cease using military persons in civilian crowd control situations.

Also, it demands that Police officers immediately cease the use of live ammunition in protests by unarmed civilians, and crowd control situations.

Additionally, the FixTheCountry group is demanding the establishment of operating procedures on public order policing immediately.

Finally, it wants the Attorney-General to prioritise the prosecution of offending police officers.

The group believes their demands will be a remedy to “extrajudicial killings” in the country.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini