The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Global Affairs Editor, Laura Tingle, has ignited a fierce controversy by asserting that Sunday's deadly terrorist attack on a Jewish festival at Sydney's Bondi Beach was unrelated to religion. Her comments, made during the ABC's 'Politics Now' podcast, have drawn sharp criticism amidst reports the assailants specifically targeted the Jewish celebration.
Controversial Analysis Amidst Mounting Evidence
Speaking on Tuesday, veteran journalist Laura Tingle insisted the actions of the attackers, Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, were not based on their faith. This analysis was offered despite police confirming homemade Islamic State flags were discovered in the perpetrators' silver hatchback, and that the ABC itself had previously reported Naveed was investigated by ASIO in 2019 over alleged links to an ISIS cell in Sydney.
Podcast host Patricia Karvelas noted the pair were "absolutely radicalised" and were "targeting Jews," describing the act as antisemitic. Tingle directly countered this, stating, "Their actions are not based on their religion." The senior editor also dismissed claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Australia was targeted for its recognition of Palestine, arguing she didn't "think that really stacks up."
Victim's Family Confronts ABC Over 'Biased Reporting'
The podcast aired just hours after Victoria Teplitsky, daughter of an 86-year-old victim shot while trying to escape, accused the ABC of bias during a live 'News Breakfast' interview. In an emotional appeal to hosts James Glenday and Emma Rebellato, Teplitsky challenged the nation's politicians and the public broadcaster directly.
"(Anthony) Albanese? (Penny) Wong? Will you listen to us? Will you do something? And ABC, I've got to say, will you cut out the biased reporting… will you cut it out?" she said. Teplitsky, who identifies as a non-religious Jewish woman, revealed she began wearing her Star of David necklace after the October 7th attacks due to rising hatred, pleading, "ABC please stop with the biased reporting."
Alleged Attacker Charged as Police Detail Arrest
Meanwhile, Naveed Akram regained consciousness on Tuesday, almost 48 hours after the attack that shocked the world. He was subsequently arrested in his hospital bed and on Wednesday afternoon was hit with 59 charges. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon detailed how Akram woke from a coma to find detectives waiting to arrest him once doctors confirmed his cognitive function was sufficient.
The extensive charges include one count of committing a terrorist act, one count of discharging a firearm in public, and one count of causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist symbol. He also faces one count of placing an explosive with intent to cause harm, 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder, and 15 counts of murder.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unequivocally condemned the attack, stating the assailants were "deliberately targeting the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah." The ABC has defended Tingle's remarks, with a spokeswoman stating her role is to provide analysis and that her comment was "about separating religion from radicalisation."
