1 Oct 2018

Former Nauru MPs denied passports despite acquittal

From , 3:03 pm on 1 October 2018

Two of the key defendants acquitted after a long running legal battle over an anti-government protest in Nauru cannot get their passports returned.

Mathew Batsiua and Squire Jeremaiah, who were opposition MPs at the time of the protest, had their passports confiscated when charges were laid.

On September 13 Justice Geoffrey Muecke granted permanent stays on the charges, agreeing with the defendants that the legal process had dragged on too long and that the Nauru government had not complied with a court directive to meet some of the defendants costs.

Mr Batsiua explained to Don Wiseman the struggle they have since experienced in trying to get passports.

Mathew Batsiua being escorted into court

Mathew Batsiua being escorted into court Photo: SUPPLIED