Contemnors in a case of threat against justices of the Supreme Court have been found guilty.
The court presided over by Justice Sophia Akuffo found the accused guilty for scandalizing the court, defying and lowering the authority of the court and bringing it into disrepute.
Two radio panelists, Godwin Ako Gunn and Alistair Nelson were cited for inciting hatred against, and threatening to kill, justices of the Supreme Court.
The host of the programme on which the comments were made, Salifu Maase known as Mugabe and owners of the station are currently at the Supreme Court to answer why they should not be held for contempt.
Counsel for the accused, Nana Ato Dadzie is pleading for mercy.
He says although a threat on the lives of the judges and any other Ghanaian is despicable and ought to be condemned as insensitive no matter how empty they are – especially when they are made on the eve of martyr’s day, the accused should be pardoned.
He quoted Mark 3:18 in his plea.
He however noted that there is a raging dispute over the freedom of the media vis-à -vis the court’s jurisdiction.
Nana Ato Dadzie added that it was important for free speech to be promoted, insisting it is not easy to reconcile that with the laws on contempt.
He quoted Article 162 (4) to support his point.
He said the kind of punishment meted out today may define the media and make it docile and ineffective.
“Ours is a young democracy, we need to nurture the system by not crippling the media", he added according to myjoyonline.