Bondi Beach shooting suspect’s lawyers request gag order to protect family

Australia – (Web Desk) – Lawyers for a man accused of a deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach asked a court on Monday to stop the media from naming his family. They said sharing their details could put them in danger.

Police say 24-year-old Naveed Akram opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration on December 14, killing 15 people. It is Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in decades.

His father, Sajid Akram, who police also accuse of being involved, was shot dead by officers at the scene. Authorities say the men were inspired by the militant group Daesh and used high-powered weapons legally owned by the father.

Naveed Akram’s lawyers asked the Sydney court to block publication of his mother’s, brother’s, and sister’s names, their home address, workplaces, and schools.

Magistrate Greg Grogan extended a temporary suppression order until next month, citing the global media attention on the case.

Akram faces a total of 59 charges over the attack, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder and a terror offence. He is yet to enter a plea.

The case is expected to briefly return to court next week, before a longer hearing on April 8, where the prosecution will outline its brief of evidence.

The Bondi attack shocked a country with strict gun laws and fuelled calls for tougher controls and stronger action against antisemitism.

Australia last month launched a government-backed inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion in the country which is expected to report its findings by December this year.

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The government has already responded by tightening gun laws and introducing new legislation against hate speech.