Naveed Akram, the suspect in the Bondi Beach shooting near Sydney, appeared in court for the first time via video conference. He faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and terrorism. He and his father carried out a brutal plan involving tactical gun practice and recording videos proclaiming allegiance to the Islamic State before killing 15 people and injuring over 40 during a Jewish celebration.
Naveed Akram, 24, appeared in court for the first time last Monday, charged in connection with Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years.
Naveed appeared via video link from Goulburn Prison, a maximum-security facility, facing a total of 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of terrorism-related attack.
During a brief five-minute hearing, Naveed responded with a simple "Yes" when asked if he understood the extension of the victim protection order, which includes shielding the identities of survivors unless they choose to reveal themselves.
The incident occurred on 14 December when Naveed and his 50-year-old father, Sajid, attacked a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 deaths, including two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl. Over 40 others were injured. Sajid was killed by police at the scene, while Naveed was seriously wounded and later imprisoned.
Court documents reveal the father and son carefully planned the attack over several months, scouting the location just two days prior. Key evidence includes an October video on a mobile phone showing both seated before an Islamic State flag, declaring their motives and condemning the "Zionist group."
Police also found videos showing the pair rehearsing shotgun shooting and tactical movement in rural New South Wales before the attack.
Defense lawyer Ben Arkwright stated it is too early to say whether his client will plead guilty, adding that Akram is currently living under "very difficult and stressful" conditions in maximum-security prison.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 2026.
/SourceBBC