Three Australian men in their 20s have been formally charged with premeditated murder in connection with a fatal June shooting at a Bali villa that left one Australian dead. Indonesian prosecutors confirmed the men could face the death penalty if convicted, under the country’s capital punishment laws. Investigators are examining whether the case is linked to organized criminal activity.
Story Snapshot
- Three Australians charged with premeditated murder face Indonesia’s death penalty for fatal Bali shooting
- Melbourne father Zivan Radmanovic killed and underworld figure Sanar Ghanim wounded in luxury villa attack
- Suspects allegedly broke into Canggu villa with sledgehammer before opening fire in front of victims’ partners
- Case highlights stark contrast between Indonesia’s capital punishment laws and Australia’s abolished death penalty
Death Penalty Charges Formalized Against Australian Trio
Indonesian police completed their investigation and formally charged three Australian men with premeditated murder on October 15, 2025, following the brutal June shooting at a luxury villa near Canggu, Bali. The suspects, all in their 20s, face execution by firing squad if convicted under Indonesia’s strict capital punishment laws. Prosecutors stated they intend to seek the maximum penalty under Indonesian law. According to Bali Police spokesperson Commissioner Jansen Avitus Panjaitan, the charges represent a continuation of an investigation into what authorities describe as an organized dispute with transnational elements.
The charges stem from allegations that the three men forcibly entered the villa using a sledgehammer before fatally shooting Melbourne father Zivan Radmanovic and wounding Sanar Ghanim, described as an underworld figure. Both victims were reportedly with their partners when the shooting occurred, according to police briefings cited by The Guardian Australia. The incident has drawn international attention due to the severity of the charges and the involvement of multiple Australian nationals.
Violent Attack Exposes Criminal Network Operations
The targeted nature of the shooting suggests deeper criminal motivations beyond random violence, with investigators focusing on potential links to organized crime disputes. Indonesian authorities identified Sanar Ghanim as a known figure in organized crime circles, raising the possibility that the incident was connected to wider criminal disputes extending into Bali’s tourist districts, according to ABC News Australia. This criminal element raises concerns about the safety of popular destinations and the international reach of organized crime operations.
The attack’s execution demonstrates premeditation and planning, supporting the serious charges now facing the Australian suspects. Police evidence reportedly includes the forced entry method and witness testimony from the victims’ partners who observed the shooting firsthand. These factors strengthen the prosecution’s case for premeditated murder, the most serious charge under Indonesian law.
Indonesia’s Capital Punishment Confronts Australian Values
The death penalty charges highlight the fundamental clash between Indonesian and Australian legal systems, with Indonesia maintaining capital punishment while Australia abolished it decades ago. This case echoes previous diplomatic tensions, particularly the Bali Nine drug trafficking case that strained bilateral relations when Australian nationals faced execution. This case underscores the sovereignty principle that nations retain the right to enforce their laws within their borders, regardless of external diplomatic pressure — a point emphasized by international law experts such as Dr. Natalie Klein, Professor of International Law at UNSW Sydney.
⚠️ WARNING: This post contains graphic descriptions of a murder.
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) October 18, 2025
Three Australians accused of carrying out a gangland-style execution in Bali could face death by firing squad after being officially handed over to prosecutors & charged with premeditated murder.
Darcy Francesco… pic.twitter.com/iIGLCE5lSr
The Australian government faces limited options beyond providing consular assistance and monitoring trial proceedings for fairness. Indonesian authorities demonstrate their commitment to law and order by pursuing maximum penalties for violent crimes, especially those involving foreign nationals in tourist areas. This firm stance reflects Indonesia’s determination to maintain security and uphold its legal standards despite potential diplomatic consequences.
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Australians accused in fatal shooting of fellow national could face death penalty in Bali
Three Australians accused of premeditated murder in Bali villa could face the death penalty
Three Australian men could face death penalty after alleged murder in Bali