All charges stayed on 2nd day of trial against Manitoba priest accused of sexually assaulting girl

The case of a Manitoba priest accused of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl in Little Grand Rapids First Nation has taken a surprising turn, as all charges against him have been stayed. This decision came just a day after the young girl testified against Arul Savari in court.

Arul Savari sat quietly in the Winnipeg courtroom as Crown attorney Danielle Simard informed Court of King’s Bench Justice Shawn Greenberg of the prosecutor’s decision. Simard explained that after carefully reviewing the evidence and considering the impact on the child witness, the Crown decided to stay the charges.

The Crown emphasized the importance of ensuring that cases have a reasonable likelihood of ending in conviction, stating, “It is not sufficient that something probably happened but rather, ‘Can the evidence reasonably meet the test beyond a reasonable doubt?'” This responsibility to deliver justice in a responsible manner ultimately led to the decision to stay the proceedings against Savari.

The young girl, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, bravely recounted the alleged assault in court. She described feeling scared as Savari reportedly took her to his bedroom in the remote First Nation community. The accusations included inappropriate touching, declarations of love, and kissing by the priest.

Savari had pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault, sexual interference, and forcible confinement. His defense team raised concerns about inconsistencies in the girl’s statements and details that were not initially disclosed to her mother.

For individuals who have experienced sexual assault, support is available through crisis lines and local services provided by the Ending Violence Association of Canada. In cases of immediate danger, it is important to call 911 for assistance.

This development in the case against Arul Savari highlights the complexities of prosecuting such sensitive crimes. While the charges have been stayed, the impact on the young girl and the community remains significant. The pursuit of justice in cases of sexual violence requires careful consideration and a commitment to upholding the legal and ethical standards of the justice system.