Judge dismisses 'armed uprising' case against Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy

Cliven Bundy, centre, speaking at a protest camp in Nevada (Las Vegas Review-Journal/AP)

A US judge has dismissed criminal charges against a Nevada rancher and his sons accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authorities in 2014.

Chief US District Judge Gloria Navarro signalled when she declared a mistrial last month that she might dismiss the case outright against 71-year-old Cliven Bundy, sons Ryan and Ammon Bundy, and Montana militia leader Ryan Payne.