Priest released from custody on agreed conditions after allegations of sexual assault on Manitoba First Nation

Arul Savari, a Roman Catholic priest facing accusations of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl in a church on a remote Manitoba First Nation, has been released from custody. The 48-year-old appeared via video in a Winnipeg court before a judicial justice of the peace on Monday, where the Crown and his defense lawyer agreed upon a set of conditions for his release.

During the court proceedings, when asked if he agreed with the conditions, Savari responded with “OK.” He is facing five charges, including sexual assault, sexual interference, and forcible confinement.

Savari had been in custody since May 27, following a complaint made by the mother of the 8-year-old girl to the Little Grand Rapids RCMP. According to the RCMP, the girl was alone with the priest when he allegedly touched her inappropriately. The…