Overview
- Mr Ganiev applied to the Victorian Supreme Court on Tuesday for a rare permanent stay of proceedings, arguing the prosecution's change of charges amounted to an abuse of process.
- In May prosecutors discontinued earlier murder and manslaughter charges and instead charged Ganiev with attempting to pervert the course of justice over the alleged treatment and movement of Isla Bell's body.
- Forensic pathologists told court in July 2025 they could not determine Bell's cause of death and could not rule out an overdose or injuries from a rubbish‑truck compactor, factors prosecutors say weakened homicide prospects.
- Bell's family and about 100 supporters rallied outside court and at other public events accusing the Office of Public Prosecutions of prioritising conviction prospects over letting a jury test the allegations.
- Justice James Elliott reserved his decision and the matter is likely to return or be decided by late August, with legal commentators noting permanent stays are rarely granted and require proof of extreme unfairness.