DENPASAR, Bali – Australian nationals Sanar Ghanim (34) and Daniella Mandalena Gourdeas have expressed fear about appearing in court for the Australian couple shooting case in Bali, after the deadly villa shooting in Badung that left one Australian dead.

According to prosecutors, the married couple—who are now back in Australia—claim their safety would be at risk if they return to Indonesia to testify. The statement was made during a court hearing at the Denpasar District Court on Monday (10/11), which focused on examining witnesses.

“We have summoned Sanar and Daniella twice, Your Honor, but received no response. Through their legal representative, they said their security is under threat,” the public prosecutor (JPU) told the court.

The incident left Zivan Radmanovic (34) dead, while his wife, Jazmyn Petra Gourdeas, agreed to appear as a witness at the next hearing. Prosecutors said Jazmyn’s testimony could be key to clarifying the motives behind the shooting.

Responding to the prosecutor’s statement, defense attorney Ricky Rajendar Singh, representing the three defendants, urged the court to ensure the couple’s safety and persuade them to testify in person.

“The panel of judges should instruct the prosecutors to give assurance to the victims so that everything becomes clear. Security here is guaranteed. Even the defendants’ safety is tightly guarded,” Singh argued in court.

The court will resume the trial on Monday (17/11), during which prosecutors plan to present five witnesses, including Jazmyn Petra Gourdeas.

The three defendants—Darcy Francesco Jenson (27), Mevlut Coskun (22), and Paea-I-Middlemore Tupou (27)—are charged with premeditated murder under Article 340 in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code, and murder under Article 338.

According to the indictment, Darcy began preparing logistics and accommodations as early as April 2025, including renting a villa and two motorbikes, hiring two cars, and purchasing a hammer.

Investigators revealed that an unidentified Australian national had instructed Darcy to arrange transportation from Jakarta to Surabaya and Bali, picking up Coskun and Tupou along the route in early June 2025. The same person also ordered Darcy to purchase return tickets from Bali to Surabaya and Jakarta after the mission.

On Saturday (14/6), the three defendants allegedly carried out the planned attack using a 9mm firearm, resulting in the death of Zivan Radmanovic and injuries to Sanar Ghanim.

“Defendant Mevlut Coskun fired several shots at witness Sanar Ghanim, while defendant Paea Tupou repeatedly shot at victim Zivan Radmanovic. Witness Jazmyn testified that the assailants who entered the room wore orange pants, masks, and jackets,” the prosecutor stated.

Prosecutors argue that the act was premeditated and well-coordinated, supported by evidence of logistical preparation and weapon procurement.

If convicted, the defendants could face life imprisonment or the death penalty under Indonesian law.