The Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) is organizing a “Placard Parade” for free expression and in solidarity with Julian Assange, Founder of Wiki Leaks, who is facing extradition from the United Kingdom to the United States of America.
The parade will involve about 100 cadres of our movement who will gather on the Swaniker Street,
Abelemkpe, in front of Pan African Television on Friday, February 25, 2022. The event is scheduled to last
from 10:00 am to 12 noon, during which period the cadres will lift placards of solidarity and for free
expression. The Greater Accra Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service has already been notified of the parade and we expect it to fully co-operate in the exercise of our constitutional right of free expression.
The SMG condemns the effort to criminalise investigative journalism for which Julian Assange has become a global symbol and we uphold the tenets of free expression in Ghana and throughout the world.
In organizing this Parade, the SMG is fully aware of the fact that the secrets which Assange and Wiki Leaks
are alleged to have released, are very clear evidence of the abuse of state power in the commission of crimes against humanity. These crimes have included extra- judicial killings, kidnapping, torture and other
horrendous forms of abuse of the fundamental human rights of people including journalists and other non combatants. The SMG is also deeply concerned about the recent spate of arrests and prosecution of Ghanaian Journalists for allegedly publishing false information about persons in Government or close to political leaders in Government. This is a dangerous path which can throw the country back into the horrible days of the culture of silence. We are firmly opposed to all attempts everywhere to criminalise speech and stifle the right to free expression.
We invite all advocates of free expression to join the Placard Parade.
Singed
Blaise Tulo
Convener-Accra Collective
Contacts:
Blaise Tulo- 0549342342
Nana Yaw Appiah-Kubi- 0540247815
Neenyi Oboe Baiden- 024965264