Charges dismissed against PNG law chief

2:04 pm on 16 November 2016

A court in Papua New Guinea has dismissed corruption charges against the Attorney General Ano Pala.

Papua New Guinea's Attorney General Ano Pala and the man he replaced in the job, Kerenga Kua.

Papua New Guinea's Attorney General Ano Pala and the man he replaced in the job, Kerenga Kua. Photo: RNZ Todagia Kelola

The Post Courier reports the Committal Court dismissed the 28 charges against Mr Pala who is also the Justice Minister and the MP for Rigo.

He was accused of misappropriating more than $US630,000 belonging to his electorate.

The Magistrate John Kaumi ruled there was insufficient evidence to back up the charges which included 14 counts of misappropriation and 14 of abuse of office.

The prosecution submitted more than 600 pages of documents as evidence.

Mr Pala's lawyer Loani Henoa told the Post Courier the charges were filed by a committee member, Wari Vele, who moved the equipment be purchased.

He said it turned out that was a futile exercise and he and his client were happy with the outcome.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs