The domestic violence case against Hazem El Masri has been thrown out by police amid a lack of evidence.
The former Bulldogs star was charged with two assault offences in October, after allegations he struck second wife Douah El-Charif twice over a two-hour period at their Bankstown home on October 19, 2015.
Hazem – who has been on bail since his arrest – has always maintained he’d “never strike a woman”, with lawyer Chris Murphy describing the NRL alum’s estranged wife as a “compulsive liar” who made a prank call to police and only went to the police station “because she’d get fined otherwise”.
If it’s true Douah falsified claims of domestic violence, it leaves a dark stain on the plight of so many genuine DV victims who have to fight tooth-and-nail to have their claims recognised.
A police spokesperson today confirmed that, as a result of the on-going assessment of information gathered during the investigation, all charges have been withdrawn.
The case against the ex-White Ribbon ambassador is due to be officially withdrawn from court on Monday, after which Murphy has indicated his client will make a public statement.
After thorough investigation NSW Police have announced there is no case against Hazem El Masri.Will be withdrawn Monday.Will talk then.
— chris murphy (@chrismurphys) March 10, 2016
More to come.
Photo: Getty / Mark Kolbe.
Domestic violence is never acceptable. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, calls can be made 24 hours a day on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line, or to Lifeline on 131 114.
