Confirmed: Two Die In Madina Police-Civilian Clash

The Police Administration has confirmed the death of two persons resulting from the May 17 demonstration, which led to a clash between protesters and the police at Madina. The Police had earlier denied the residents� claim that some persons had died from the rioting. Police clashed with the irate youth of the area who were demonstrating to claim ownership of a parcel of land belonging to the Faith Community Baptist School Complex. Eyewitness reports say the Police started firing into the crowd of protesters when they began hurling stones at the occupants of the school building and the police, who had been called upon to maintain law and order. Some 22 persons were eventually arrested after causing damage to several properties of the school and causing injuries to two policemen in the process. 20 accused persons are currently on trial and have pleaded not guilty to 11 charges, which include conspiracy to commit crime, rioting with weapons, causing unlawful damage to vehicles and properties and assaulting two police officers. The next hearing is on June 14, 2011. Speaking to Citi News, the Acting Deputy Director of Police Public Affairs, Nicholas Yeboah, said he could not confirm whether the two persons died as a result of gunshots fired by the Police on the day of the protest. He said the Police have stepped up security in the area to forestall any reprisal attacks. �Information reaching us says one was shot in the thighs. But I can�t say he was shot by a police officer. We are still conducting investigations because it can be from some of the demonstrators� he noted. Meanwhile, the Police have since the incident remained silent on whether live bullets were fired or not. It is also not clear whether the protestors used arms on that day.