‘There’s no justice’: Calls for change at Isla Bell vigil

Isla Bell, a 19-year-old woman who disappeared in October 2024, was mourned at a vigil following the recent dropping of manslaughter charges against the man accused of her death. Bell’s body was discovered six weeks after her disappearance, discarded in a refrigerator at a Dandenong tip. The accused, Marat Ganiev, 55, initially charged with murder and later manslaughter, now faces only a charge of perverting the course of justice. Another individual, Eyal Yaffe, previously charged with assisting in disposing of Bell’s body, had all charges against him dropped due to insufficient evidence. At the vigil held at the State Library, Bell’s mother, Justine Spokes, expressed profound grief and frustration, recalling the abuse her daughter endured before her death. Spokes described Bell’s resilience and kindness despite repeated violence, highlighting the ongoing trauma faced by victims of domestic abuse. Bell’s family and supporters called for systemic change, urging Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny to intervene and reform the justice system to better support victims of violence and their families. Bell’s grandfather, David Spokes, voiced deep disappointment in the legal process, stating that the current system favors the accused at the expense of victims’ families. The family’s call for justice reflects broader concerns about how cases involving violence against women are handled, with many advocating for stronger protections and more effective prosecution. Kilkenny attended the vigil briefly, emphasizing her respect for Bell’s memory and the community’s pain. The case has sparked significant public outrage and highlighted ongoing challenges in addressing violence against women in Victoria. The family’s demand for reform underscores the urgent need for legal and social changes to ensure accountability and justice for victims and their loved ones.