Stadium disaster trial adjourned again

The trial of six police officers accused of manslaughter during the Accra stadium disaster has again been put back, this time until Thursday.
The High Court in Accra opened with an official ceremony before hearing the case of an accused robber and subsequently delayed all other trials until 13 February.

The trial was meant to start on 4 February but was adjourned until criminal cases could be heard.

Defence lawyer Yoni Kulendi explained the reasoning behind the delay to BBC Sport.

"The ceremony witnessed today was important, to send a signal to society at large," he said.

"Long as these matters may take to investigate and conclude, persons suspected of serious criminal offences will be brought to trial."

On Monday, the officers were formally accused of playing a role in the deaths of 124 fans at the Accra stadium on 9 May 2001.
The stadium hosted the derby between arch-rivals Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
Canisters of tear gas were fired into a stand of chair throwing fans who suffocated and died, as they were unable to escape to safety after the exit gates were shut.
The six accused officers risk life in jail if found guilty.

The trial of six police officers accused of manslaughter during the Accra stadium disaster has again been put back, this time until Thursday.
The High Court in Accra opened with an official ceremony before hearing the case of an accused robber and subsequently delayed all other trials until 13 February.

The trial was meant to start on 4 February but was adjourned until criminal cases could be heard.

Defence lawyer Yoni Kulendi explained the reasoning behind the delay to BBC Sport.

"The ceremony witnessed today was important, to send a signal to society at large," he said.

"Long as these matters may take to investigate and conclude, persons suspected of serious criminal offences will be brought to trial."

On Monday, the officers were formally accused of playing a role in the deaths of 124 fans at the Accra stadium on 9 May 2001.
The stadium hosted the derby between arch-rivals Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
Canisters of tear gas were fired into a stand of chair throwing fans who suffocated and died, as they were unable to escape to safety after the exit gates were shut.
The six accused officers risk life in jail if found guilty.