Further update on the two 16 year old British girls arrested in Ghana

for immediate release

Yasemin and Yetunde yesterday appeared at a youth court in Accra and were formally charged with attempting to transport narcotics without the authorization of the relevant authorities.

Both girls entered pleas of not guilty.

“They vigorously deny the charges against them, particularly that they were recruited to transport drugs from Ghana to the UK in return for £3000. Both girls maintain that such an arrangement never existed” said Sabine Zanker of Fair Trials Abroad.

“The girls’ trial has now commenced; a concerning development given that Yasemin and Yetunde were only arrested 24 days ago. There has not been sufficient time for a full investigation, nor for the girls’ lawyers to prepare their defence.

“FTA is also deeply worried that details of the case continue to be leaked to the press in Ghana by customs officers and prosecution officials. This is in direct contravention of the Ghanaian Juvenile Justice Act 2003 and puts the defence at a distinct disadvantage. Evidence that has not yet been heard in court or disclosed to the defence is being reported in the local news” said Mrs Zanker.

Under Ghanaian law, Yasemin and Yetunde could face up to 3 years in prison if found guilty.