Cybercrime Charge Against Alberto August Dropped

A cybercrime charge against Alberto August was formally discontinued at the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court today after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions pulled the matter.  August appeared before the court with lead attorney Michael Peyrefitte.  Outside the courthouse, Peyrefitte said the decision brings an end to a case that the defence had maintained should never have been brought before the court. He said the DPP’s decision to discontinue the charge and return August’s devices shows that, after reviewing the evidence, there was no basis to continue the prosecution.  Peyrefitte said the matter had placed August under unnecessary pressure and said his client will now consider what options may be available to him following the withdrawal of the charge.  August said he was relieved that the case has come to an end. He maintained that he was targeted because of the information he brought into the public domain and said he remains committed to speaking out on matters he believes are in the public interest.  A memorandum signed by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, Senior Counsel, advised the Cybercrime and Digital Forensic Unit and the National Crimes Investigation Branch that the charge should be discontinued. The DPP’s Office says it received the file on June 26 and additional material on June 28 before making its decision.  The memorandum also directed that August’s electronic devices, which were seized during the investigation, be returned to him.  The charge arose from a complaint made by former Minister of State Oscar Mira and concerned material August allegedly shared electronically amid the wider controversy over procurement at the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security.  The case was reviewed after Julius Espat, while acting as interim Minister responsible for Police, raised concerns about the matter and pressed for it to be examined.