Ex-telecom minister acquitted of power abuse charge

KABUL (Pajhwok): Former telecommunication and information technology minister Abdul Razaq Wahidi was acquitted on Sunday of misusing his authority by the appellate court of the Anti-Corruption Justice Center (ACJC).

The appellate court heard Wahidi’s case on Saturday but announced its verdict Sunday, overturning the ACJC primary court verdict sentencing him to three years in jail over corruption charges.

The judicial delegation of the appellate court after hearing arguments from Wahidi’s lawyer, announced he was innocent. Wahidi was among seven of his colleagues accused of corruption in late 2016.

On April 8, he was arrested and taken to Pul-i-Charkhi jail.  However, today on the second day of his case the appellate court declared him not guilty.

Mohammad Farhang, defense lawyer of Wahidi, told Pajhwok Afghan News that his client would be released after passing through some legal process.

The judicial team said the decision was not definite and the prosecutor could appeal for changes in form of a complaint.

mds/ma