Adris Kheyali, a 23-year-old man, has passionately criticised the police’s evidence against him as he seeks bail after being charged with the murder of Mohammed Keshtiar, a figure linked to organised crime. Kheyali applied for bail in the Victorian Supreme Court on Tuesday, arguing that the case against him is weak. His involvement in the murder allegedly occurred in South Yarra in August 2023 when Keshtiar was shot while walking with another man.
The police claim that Kheyali was the shooter who exited the vehicle to fire additional shots at Keshtiar to ensure he was dead. Kheyali was initially arrested in September 2024 but was released pending further investigations. However, he was re-arrested and charged with murder in April 2024 after a witness provided a statement implicating him.
During the bail hearing, Kheyali’s lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, asserted that his client maintains his innocence and highlighted flaws in the prosecution’s evidence, notably the absence of forensic data or incriminating messages on Kheyali’s phone. Dann argued that Kheyali has not made any admissions of guilt, suggesting that the prosecution’s case lacks strength.
Kheyali’s family has offered an $800,000 surety to support his bail request, with assurances that he would comply with electronic monitoring if released. His lawyer also argued that Kheyali is not a flight risk, despite his Afghan background and his wife residing in Afghanistan, noting that he has familial ties in Melbourne and has returned to Australia three times without incident since Keshtiar’s death.
Kheyali had been subjected to travel restrictions following earlier charges related to drug possession and driving, which he adhered to even during personal hardships, such as his wife being in a coma after the stillbirth of their child in November. Dann contended that these circumstances, coupled with potential delays in court proceedings, warrant Kheyali’s release under strict bail conditions.
In opposition, prosecutor Peter Pickering contended that no conditions could sufficiently mitigate the risks of Kheyali reoffending, fleeing, or contacting witnesses. He emphasised the targeted nature of the shooting, arguing that Kheyali could potentially identify the witness who testified against him, thus posing a risk of interference.
As Kheyali was led from the courtroom, he expressed affection to his family and thanked Justice Rita Incerti, who will announce her decision on bail Wednesday.