A 24-year-old man accused of carrying out a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney, made his first court appearance on Monday.
Naveed Akram faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder, and a terror offence. Police allege he carried out the attack alongside his father, Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene.
Akram appeared via video link from Goulburn Correctional Centre, wearing prison greens and remaining mostly silent. He spoke only to acknowledge a discussion about extending non-publication orders protecting the identities of victims.
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Lawyer’s statement
His lawyer, Ben Archbold, said Akram was doing “as well as he can be” given the “very onerous conditions” in prison. Archbold added that it was too early to indicate how his client would plead, noting that discussions about the alleged attack had not yet taken place.
Archbold emphasized his professional obligation to represent Akram, stating, “He’s just a client, and he’s a client that needs to be represented. And we don’t let our personal view get in the way of our professional obligations.”
The matter has been adjourned, and the next court date is expected in April 2026.
