The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) has released journalist and New Patriotic Party (NPP) sympathizer, Fadi Samih Daboussi.
The Ghanaian writer and journalist was reportedly arrested at the Kotoka International Airport last Friday for allegedly publishing a book which many say contains offensive comments about President John Mahama.
Mr. Daboussi’s lead Counsel, Hassan Tampoli who confirmed the recent development to Citi News said his client was granted a self-recognizance bail.
The BNI reportedly ransacked Fadi’s residence later after his arrest.
Occupy BNI
A group calling itself Ghana Must Know had earlier threatened to stage a mass action at the premises of the BNI, if it fails to release Mr. Daboussi by midnight.
“We are occupying BNI as early as 5am to demand the release of our brother. We are not going to do anything that will breach the peace of this country. We are only going there to demand for his immediate release. If they are not doing that then maybe it will follow with a mass demonstration across the country,” Convener of Ghana Must Know, Hopeson Adorye told Citi News.
Arrest by BNI avoidable
The group had further taken a swipe at the BNI despite releasing Mr. Daboussi.
Ghana Must Know in a statement said though the BNI has released the journalist, “…it does not exonerate the BNI from such avoidable abuse of power and breach of fundamental human rights of people.”
Below is the full statement
We have taken notice of the release of Mr. Fadi Dabbousi from BNI cells a short while ago, earlier than the midnight ultimatum we gave to the Bureau of National Investigation.
Whilst it is good to hear, it does not exenorate the BNI from such avoidable abuse of power and breach of fundamental human rights of people.
The BNI has a lot to learn, that is if they have not deliberately refused to acquaint themselves with proper legal procedures, rule of law and dignity for the rights of people.
We thank all and sundry for the readiness you showed to mass up at the headquarters of the BNI should they have not released him.
God bless you all.
Signed.
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By: Godwin A. Allotey & Abdul Karim Natogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin