the National Court in Waigani has officially closed criminal proceedings against Ialibu-Pangia MP and former Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in connection to the controversial K3 billion UBS loan saga. The closure comes after Judge Teresa Berrigan ruled that there was a lack of evidence to proceed with the case.
Judge Berrigan declared that O'Neill was free to go following a declaration from the Public Prosecutor's Office, which stated that the evidence presented was insufficient to lay any charges against him. This declaration effectively concluded the proceedings before the court.
O'Neill, expressing relief outside the court, labeled the case as politically motivated. He asserted his innocence, stating, "I've known all along that there has been no evidence." He criticized the politicization of the case, highlighting the increasingly dirty state of politics in the country.
The legal saga began when O'Neill was arrested on June 12 last year and charged with allegedly providing false and misleading information under oath to the Commission of Inquiry into the UBS loan. Despite being committed to stand trial late last year, the case has now been closed due to insufficient evidence.
In a statement following the court's decision, O'Neill addressed the allegations against him, denouncing them as a "political witch-hunt." He emphasized his commitment to seeing positive change for the country and maintained his integrity throughout the ordeal.
O'Neill also took the opportunity to criticize the Marape government, accusing them of harassment and condemning individuals who speak out against them. He called for better governance and urged authorities to uphold their oaths with strong character and proper evidence before pursuing arrests and prosecutions.
The former Prime Minister further addressed Prime Minister Marape's involvement in the UBS loan saga, suggesting that if there were any improprieties, Marape should have addressed them during his tenure as Finance Minister or provided evidence thereof.
As the case against O'Neill comes to a close, it marks a significant moment in Papua New Guinea's legal and political landscape, raising questions about accountability, evidence, and the role of politics in the judicial process.