Assault case against Nawaz Sharif's guard dropped by UK prosecution

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has discontinued a criminal case against Farid Nemouchi, the former close-protection bodyguard of ex-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Nemouchi was charged with common assault for allegedly spitting on Panzani Cheema, a financial executive in London, during an incident on September 16 of the previous year.

The CPS decided to drop the case, citing insufficient evidence to meet the threshold of realistic prospects of success. This decision was communicated ahead of the trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where Nemouchi appeared with his lawyer, Barrister Moeen Khan.

Nemouchi had maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty and expressing his intention to contest the charge. The incident, captured on Cheema's phone, involved Cheema approaching and filming Nawaz Sharif while questioning him, which led to Nemouchi's alleged spitting.

Khan emphasized the politicized nature of the case and expressed relief at its dismissal, noting the stress it had caused Nemouchi. Had he been convicted, Nemouchi faced potential jail time, fines, and loss of his security license.

The CPS did not disclose specific reasons for dropping the case, but it is understood that Cheema decided not to pursue the matter further.