Prosecutors drop element of ‘prejudicing Australia’s national security’ in charge against Alexander Csergo

Sydney businessman formally enters not guilty plea in court for charge of reckless foreign interference

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

A Sydney businessman accused of foreign interference over a series of reports he wrote for two Chinese nationals did not act in a way that “prejudiced Australia’s national security”, a court has heard.

Alexander Csergo, 56, has spent nearly a year in custody after he was arrested at his Bondi home last April and charged with one count of foreign interference.