Bondi Beach Terrorist Faces A Judge As Court Procedures Begin

One of the two terrorists accused of carrying out Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades appeared in court Monday for the first time since his release from the hospital, as the judicial process towards justice begins.

Naveed Akram, 24, appeared via video link in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court from the maximum-security Goulburn Correctional Centre, located approximately 200 kilometers away. Akram did not enter pleas to the extensive charges against him, which include 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder, and committing a terrorist act.

The brief court appearance centered on extending a gag order that suppresses the identities of victims and survivors who have not chosen to come forward publicly. Defense attorney Ben Archbold told reporters following the hearing that Akram was “doing as well as could be expected,” adding that it was far too early to indicate how his client would plead.

The attack took place on December 14th during a Chabad Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a gathering that included members of Sydney’s Jewish community and visitors marking the festival of light. Among those murdered were two Chabad Shluchim as well as multiple other Jewish victims.

Akram was wounded during a gun battle with police at the scene. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, who was also involved in the terror attack, was killed during the confrontation.

The accused is scheduled to return to court on April 9th, as multiple investigations continue into the attack, which authorities say was inspired by the Islamic State. One inquiry is examining interactions between law enforcement and intelligence agencies prior to the shooting, while another — a royal commission, the highest form of public inquiry in Australia — will investigate the broader rise of antisemitism in the country, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding the Bondi Beach massacre.