​Don Polye Walks Free After Court Dismisses Corruption Case

​Don Polye Walks Free After Court Dismisses Case

A Waigani District Court decision on Tuesday has seen former Kandep Member of Parliament Don Polye walk free after prosecutors failed to convince the court that the case against him should continue.

The outcome marks a major turnaround for the veteran politician, who had been facing allegations connected to corruption and interference with the justice process.

Magistrate Paul Nii struck out three charges — official corruption, conspiracy to defeat justice and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The prosecution's case stemmed from claims relating to procurement processes and contracts involving the PNG Sports Foundation.

During court proceedings, the defence challenged the legal basis of the charges and argued that investigators had incorrectly applied sections of the law.

Defence lawyer Edward Sasingian later said ICAC had pursued the matter under provisions that did not properly apply to the circumstances involving his client.

According to the defence, the prosecution was unable to establish the legal elements required to support the allegations against the former minister.

Following the ruling, Mr Polye expressed gratitude for the court's decision and described it as a turning point after years of uncertainty.

“This decision lifts the dark cloud that has been hanging over me and clears my name.”

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