Hazem El Masri speaks to the media outside court after domestic violence charges against the ex-NRL star were dropped. Courtesy AAP

El Masri keen to continue his good work after charges against him were dropped

DOMESTIC violence charges against ex-NRL star Hazem El Masri have been dropped.

The former Bulldogs player was due to face a hearing this week on charges of assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, after his second wife, Douah El-Cherif, made domestic violence allegations last October.

But prosecutors told Bankstown Local Court on Monday the charges and a related application for an apprehended domestic violence order had been reviewed and a determination had been made to withdraw them.

The charges were then formally dismissed by the magistrate and El Masri walked from court a free man.

El Masri reportedly secretly recorded the argument between he and El-Cherif. According to Fairfax, the recording refuted El-Cherif’s version of events, leading to the charges being dropped.

El-Cherif reportedly wanted to continue to pursue the matter, but a group of up to 20 senior police had examined the evidence and decided the El-Masri had no case to answer.

“I’ve always been confident with the legal system and you know, truth just prevailed,” El Masri told reporters outside court.

“I want to urge every lady, man, child — any person out there that is subjected to any domestic violence to make sure they report it.

“The justice system is there to protect us.”

El Masri thanked his fans, family and first wife Arwa Abousamra for “being courageous (enough) to stand up for the truth”.

The 39-year-old was stood down as an ambassador for White Ribbon, the campaign dedicated to stamping out violence against women, in the wake of the allegations.

He was also working as a youth mentor for the NRL but his responsibilities were significantly wound back after charges were laid.

Lawyer Chris Murphy, who has always maintained his client’s innocence, said it was time for El Masri to get his life back.

“Mr El Masri has been exonerated,” Mr Murphy told reporters. “He hasn’t been exonerated because someone dropped off or something happened.

“The police have examined the evidence.

“There is overwhelming forensic evidence that shows his innocence.”

Shortly after the charges were dropped, the Bulldogs released a statement saying El Masri will immediately resume his role as an ambassador for the club.

“Hazem’s commitment to making a positive difference to the community is well documented and we are pleased that he will continue to work in this area,” said Bulldogs chief executive Raelene Castle said.

“This has been a very challenging time for Hazem and all involved.”