A prominent Sydney law firm known for representing individuals accused of serious violent crimes has been appointed to handle the defence case for alleged Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram, with the costs being covered by taxpayer-funded Legal Aid.
The Alleged Attack and Charges
Naveed Akram, aged 24, and his father Sajid, 50, are alleged to have opened fire on a crowd during the Hanukkah by the Sea event on December 14, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to dozens more. While Sajid was fatally shot by police during the incident, Naveed Akram is now facing a total of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder.
Additional charges relate to discharging a firearm in a public place, causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist symbol, and placing an explosive in or near a building with the intent to cause harm. The severity of these allegations has placed the case under intense public and media scrutiny.
Legal Representation and Funding
It was revealed on Thursday that Akram's defence will be managed by the high-profile Sydney law firm Archbold Gittani, which is owned by lawyers Ben Archbold and Leonie Gittani. The firm has built a reputation over more than two decades for defending clients charged with very serious offences.
Leonie Gittani emphasised the firm's commitment to professional obligations, stating to the Daily Mail that everyone is entitled to legal representation and that personal views never influence their work. The case will be financed through Legal Aid, an organisation that receives the majority of its funding from taxpayers.
Questioning the Use of Public Funds
The decision for Legal Aid to fund this defence has sparked debate. Robert Gregory, Chief Executive of the Australian Jewish Association, expressed understanding that taxpayers might be surprised by reports of a leading law firm being engaged to represent an accused terrorist murderer.
While acknowledging the right to a fair trial and proper legal representation in Australia, Gregory highlighted public expectations that taxpayer money should be used sparingly and with clear justification when funding such representation.
Firm's History with High-Profile Cases
Ben Archbold has previously represented individuals accused of serious crimes, including Keli Lane, whose baby, Tegan, disappeared after birth in 1996 and was never found. He is currently representing police officer Lamarre-Condon, charged with the murders of Channel 10 producer Jesse Baird and his partner Luke Davies.
Leonie Gittani has also handled notable cases, such as representing Mathew Flame, who was convicted of fatally bashing the son of rock singer Angry Anderson while under the influence of drugs.
Akram's Current Incarceration
Naveed Akram is currently held at Goulburn Supermax, located on the NSW Southern Tablelands approximately 200 kilometres south-west of Sydney. This facility houses some of the country's most notorious criminals and is known for its harsh isolation conditions, often involving 24-hour lockdowns and extreme security measures.
Akram has been classified as a 'category AA' inmate, a designation reserved for those deemed at high risk of engaging in or inciting terrorist activities. He is held in an isolation facility under 24-hour electronic surveillance but has access to a private yard for up to seven hours of daily exercise.
Visitation and Monitoring Protocols
Supervised, pre-approved family visits are permitted, with all conversations required to be conducted in English. Lawyers from Archbold Gittani visiting Akram at Goulburn Supermax would have undergone extreme vetting processes, including full criminal background checks, before being allowed entry.
While legal visits are not recorded, they must be observed by Corrective Services officers. All phone calls made by Akram, except those to his lawyer, are monitored. The firm has declined to comment on discussions with Akram or his demeanour during these visits.
Recent Developments and Religious Accommodations
Earlier this month, it was disclosed that Muslim chaplain Ahmed Kilani visited Akram while he was receiving treatment for gunshot injuries at Long Bay Hospital in Sydney's south, prior to his transfer to Goulburn Supermax. Their conversation, lasting 10 to 15 minutes, was recorded on a body-worn camera operated by a Corrective Services officer monitoring the exchange.
This recording was made at the direction of the prison hospital's security manager and will be provided to NSW Police and other intelligence agencies. Additionally, Akram has been granted his request for a copy of the Koran, highlighting the accommodations made for his religious needs during incarceration.
