An Australian solicitor says Thursday's acquittal of the so called Nauru 19 is a high point for the rule of law in Nauru.
The parliament building in Nauru. Photo: Supplied/ @ChrisTrott
Christian Hearn is one of six Australian lawyers representing the Nauru 19 over charges emanating from an anti government protest more than three years ago.
On Thursday Justice Geoffrey Muecke granted the Nauru 19 a permanent stay on charges that included rioting and disturbing the legislature.
Justice Muecke emphatically condemned the behaviour of the Nauru government and its officials in his ruling.
Mr Hearn said it was an important day for law and order in Nauru.
"What it means going forward only time will tell. But certainly it is an important day, not only for the 16 people who are impacted by the decision, which is in effect an acquittal, but it is an important day for the rule of law in Nauru, generally," Christian Hearn said.
T-shirts worn by family and supporters of the 19 Nauruans who were prosecuted by government for staging a protest outside of parliament in 2015. Photo: Nauru 19/ Facebook
The Nauru Government has indicated the Director of Public Prosecutions will appeal.
An unnamed Nauru official says the judge's ruling was wrong in law and needs to be corrected on appeal.
Three of the nineteen accused had earlier pleaded guilty and an application for a stay on these convictions is still to be heard.