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Spain: Officers under suspicion for Ghanaian's death in custody

01 January 2002

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Julious Ofasi, a Ghanaian citizen, died on 3 January 2002 after receiving a blow to the head on 30 December in Sangonera prison in Murcia. He was arrested for causing an altercation and violently resisting arrest on 29 December, resulting in two police officers needing medical treatment, according to police sources. The dynamics of the death are unclear, as early reports said that Ofasi struggled with prison officers on entry into the jail on 30 December, whereas later reports stated that the confrontation occurred as prison officers intervened because he was smashing the contents of his cell. Prison sources claim that Ofasi attacked the officers as they entered his cell and that, as they restrained him, he fell and banged his head on the floor. He was subsequently brought to hospital, handcuffed, where he was diagnosed to be in a coma. He died three days later of a brain haemorrhage. Experts from the Instituto de Medicina Legal (Legal Medical Institute) must now ascertain whether Ofasi's injuries are compatible with a fall or with violent acts.

El Pais 27.12.01, 11-12.1.02

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