Arabic version: تم منح المشتبه به في جريمة القتل كفالة للعيش في جزر تي وي

A 20-year-old man charged with murder in Milingimbi, Arnhem Land, has been granted bail to live with family on Bathurst Island, over 500 kilometers away. Justin Bukulatjpi appeared in the Northern Territory Supreme Court following a brawl that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old man last month.

According to ABC News, the court heard that Bukulatjpi’s extended family had moved to the Tiwi Islands as part of a plan to avoid ongoing unrest in Milingimbi. His defense argued that he posed no risk to the community due to the geographical distance from the incident and his lack of prior criminal history.

Crown prosecutor Deborah Mandie acknowledged the strength of the case against Bukulatjpi, citing more than ten minutes of mobile phone footage that allegedly shows him brandishing a knife and using a chair as a weapon during the altercation. Despite this evidence, Justice Judith Kelly expressed confidence that Bukulatjpi would comply with bail conditions.

Bukulatjpi is set to be released from custody on Friday, with strict conditions including electronic monitoring, regular police reporting, and restrictions on accessing certain community areas. His next court appearance is scheduled for July.