The criminal case against Naveed Akram, who faces 78 offences following the Bondi terror attack, has been adjourned until 24 February. Prosecutors requested the delay to allow time for consultations with victims and their families.
Unprecedented Investigation and Evidence Volume
Appearing before Sydney’s Downing Centre local court on Wednesday, prosecutor Danielle New applied for the adjournment without opposition from the defence team. New stated that prosecutors have completed the brief of evidence, which faced delays due to the massive scale of the investigation conducted by the joint counter-terrorism team. She described the probe as an investigation of an “unprecedented” size, praising the professionalism of everyone involved.
The evidence file contains thousands of witness statements, medical records, financial documents, purchases made by the suspects, and footage from Bondi beach on the night of the shooting. New explained that additional time is required so investigators can consult the alleged victims and next of kin regarding the charges before they are formally certified for trial. She noted that the team wanted to avoid rushing the process with the upcoming Hanukah, Christmas holidays, and summer court shutdown, emphasizing the importance of ensuring every individual’s narrative is addressed.
Charges and Background of the Attack
Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, allegedly opened fire at a Hanukah festival at Bondi beach on 14 December, killing 15 people and injuring 40 others. Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police at the scene, while Naveed Akram survived a shootout with officers.
Naveed Akram faces 78 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act allegedly inspired by Isis. He was initially charged with 59 offences in December, with an additional 19 charges added in April as the investigation progressed. He has not yet entered a plea, and prosecutors expect to certify the charges by the February court date.
According to a police fact sheet released through the courts in December, investigators allege the pair meticulously planned the attack for months. The documentation claims the suspects engaged in firearm training, made explosives, produced an Isis-inspired video, and conducted a reconnaissance visit to the Bondi footbridge two days prior to the shooting.
The matter will return to the Downing Centre local court on 24 February.
