Last of riot suspects released

The High Court has released the last of the suspects arrested over the 2009 riots, over the failure by the prosecution to prove its case against them.

The 11 had been charged with terrorism, having been accused of setting Natete police station ablaze. Justice Ralph Ochan singled 3reasons for dismissal of the charges, including the violation of the Constitution by prosecution.

The judge says the suspects were held for 11 days before being presented before court, which is a violation of their rights. He also noted that the charges brought against the suspects were defective since they did not give any specifics.

Justice Ralph Ochan also says the trial against the suspects in itself was defective, having been conducted by a detective constable.

He pointed to the Anti- Corruption Act stipulates that such an offence can only be investigated by an officer at the rank of Superintendent of police, which was not the case.

Justice Ochan has however expressed disappointed with the police, for presenting a weak and disjointed case before court.

The 11 suspects were the last batch of 27, all of whom have been set free over failure by prosecution to prove the case.

Speaking to KFM shortly after being released, one of the former suspects Bashir Mutyaba called for help for many other suspects who continue to be held in prison despite their innocence.

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