Fresh charges preferred against Soussoudis

Accra, April 26, GNA - New charges have been preferred against Michael Soussoudis, an Economist, when he appeared before an Accra Fast Track High Court on Monday.

Soussoudis has now been charged with two counts of possessing explosives, firearms and ammunitions without lawful excuse. Previously he was charged with two counts of possessing military kits, equipment and accoutrement, explosives, firearms without lawful authority.

Soussoudis pleaded not guilty before a seven-member jury of the Court presided over Mr Justice G. A. Ayittey.

The Court asked Soussoudis to be on his former bail granted by two lower courts.

Mrs Georgina Woode, Chief State Attorney, sought leave of the Court to substitute the bill of indictment since the summary of evidence was not complete.

Mrs Woode said the Prosecution had therefore, filed a notice of additional evidence.

The Defence Team told the Court that they were not aware of the Prosecution's application but preferred an adjournment to enable them to confer with their client.

The court granted the Prosecution's application and adjourned the case to May 10.

The case for the Prosecution was that a team of security men acting upon a tip-off searched the premises of Soussoudis at Burma Camp sometime in April 2001.

During the search, a quantity of explosives, military kits and magazines were discovered at the main building and the boys' quarters (out house).

The Prosecution said the security men conducted a further search by using a detector for firearms.

Another search was conducted on him and some more weapons were retrieved. During interrogation, Soussoudis could not offer any explanation. 26 April 04