Verdict date for Ghana trial announced
October 24 2007
After several months’ of hearing, the judge presiding over the trial of two 16 year-old London girls in Ghana will deliver the verdict on November 21, 2007.
This will conclude the trial process, which has been conducted under Ghanaian juvenile justice laws, and which commenced on July 18 of this year.
“Fair Trials International has been working with the girls’ lawyer in Ghana and with London-based barrister Joe Stone, of Doughty Street Chambers, to ensure the girls receive the best possible defence,” said Chief Executive Catherine Wolthuizen.
“Under Ghanaian law, all closing speeches are done by written submission and counter submission. According to the judge’s order, the defence today provided its closing submission to the court.
“The prosecution will submit its closing speech on 7 November 2007 with the judgement scheduled to be handed down on 21 November 2007.
“As with all previous hearings, the delivery of the verdict will take place in closed session.
“A representative from Fair Trials International will be present, but at this stage, it is extremely unlikely that the girls will give interviews. While we appreciate the very strong interest in this case, we do ask the media to bear in mind the girls’ vulnerability and to respect their privacy.
“Further updates will be provided closer to November 21st, including contact details for the Fair Trials International representative who will be in Ghana,” concluded Ms Wolthuizen.
For further information, contact Catherine Wolthuizen on 020 7762 6400 or 07846 472 923