Bondi Beach Terror Accused Naveed Akram Appears in Sydney Court via Video Link
Accused Bondi beach terrorist Naveed Akram has made his first court appearance in Sydney, speaking briefly during a hearing conducted via video link from prison. The 24-year-old appeared in Downing Centre local court on Monday morning, facing a total of 59 charges related to the devastating Bondi beach shooting that occurred in December.
Court Appearance Details
Akram appeared via video link dressed in a green prison-issued jumper, with his hands placed in his lap as he listened to the proceedings. His hair was freshly shaven, but he maintained the full-faced short beard he had during the 14 December mass shooting. The accused responded to questions from the magistrate with simple affirmations of "yeah" and "yep."
Charges and Allegations
The charges against Akram include murder and terrorism offences stemming from what authorities describe as Australia's deadliest terror attack. On 14 December, 15 people were killed and 40 others injured during beachside Hanukah celebrations at Bondi beach. Police allege that 55 people were shot during the attack, with victims including a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, Holocaust survivors, and a retired police officer.
Akram and his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram who was shot dead by police on the Sunday evening following the attack, are accused of carrying out Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996 by specifically targeting the Jewish festival of lights at Bondi beach.
Attack Details
According to police allegations, after parking near a footbridge on Campbell Parade, the men tossed three pipe bombs filled with steel ball bearings and a "tennis ball bomb" into the Hanukah celebration at Archer park before opening fire. None of the pipe bombs detonated, despite preliminary police analysis finding they were viable explosive devices.
A box-like bomb was allegedly discovered in the boot of the car used in the attack, while two hand-painted Islamic State flags were also found in the vehicle.
Legal Proceedings
During Monday's hearing, deputy chief magistrate Sharon Freund continued suppression orders protecting victims and survivors of the attack who have not chosen to identify themselves publicly. The court suppression order allows victim-survivors to determine if and when they go public with their stories.
Legal Aid solicitor Ben Archibold requested time to speak with his client following the hearing. When informed by the magistrate that his solicitor would call him afterward, Akram simply replied "Yep."
Next Court Date
Naveed Akram is next scheduled to appear in court on 9 April for further proceedings related to the Bondi beach terror attack case that has shocked Australia and drawn international attention to the nation's security measures and counter-terrorism efforts.
