PNG police withdraw former PM's arrest warrant

8:13 pm on 31 October 2019

Police in Papua New Guinea have withdrawn their arrest warrant against the former prime minister, Peter O'Neill.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill talks to the media as he visits the international media center, set up for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Port Moresby on November 14, 2018. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)

Former prime minister, Peter O'Neill. Photo: AFP or licensors

An arrest warrant was issued for the Ialibu-Pangia MP on 11 October.

Mr O'Neill has sought leave for a judicial review of the warrant in relation to a corruption case, calling it defective.

But today, police withdrew the warrant, seeking to have the legal proceedings against him thrown out.

But Mr O'Neill's lawyers argued against the move, saying police would just seek a fresh warrant to avoid the review.

The State Solicitor, however, argued that Mr O'Neill's lawyers were trying to delay the matter by keeping it in court.

The case has been adjourned.

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