World · North America · 1 hr ago
Naveed Akram's Bondi attack case delayed until February
Naveed Akram's case over the Bondi attack has been delayed until 24 February at Sydney's Downing Centre local court.
Akram, 24, faces 78 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, and has not entered a plea.
He and his father, Sajid Akram, are alleged to have killed 15 people and injured 40 when they opened fire at a Hanukah festival at Bondi beach on 14 December; Sajid was shot dead by police.
Investigators say the case involved an unprecedented inquiry, with thousands of witness statements, medical and financial records, and video footage.
Prosecutors have completed their evidence brief but want more time to consult alleged victims and their next of kin before formally confirming which charges will proceed to trial.
The delay gives families time to share their accounts before that step, which prosecutors said they did not want to rush.
Prosecutors expect to be ready by 24 February, when the case is due back in court.
Naveed Akram’s criminal case over his alleged role in the Bondi terror attack has been adjourned until 24 February.
Prosecutors said they expect to be ready by then to certify the charges against Akram, who has not entered a plea.
The adjournment followed an “unprecedented” investigation and was granted after prosecutors sought more time to consult victims and their next of kin.
Akram faces 78 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
The attack at a Hanukah festival at Bondi beach left 15 people dead and 40 injured, according to the article.
- Who
- Naveed Akram, who is charged over his alleged role in the attack.
- What
- His criminal case was adjourned until 24 February.
- When
- The adjournment was granted on Wednesday; the case is next due in court on 24 February.
- Where
- Downing Centre local court in Sydney.
- Why
- Prosecutors said they needed more time to consult alleged victims and next of kin before certifying the charges.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Akram and his father allegedly opened fire at a Hanukah festival at Bondi beach.
Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offences.
Nineteen more offences were added as the investigation progressed.
The case was adjourned at Downing Centre local court until 24 February.
- Next court date
- 24 February
- Charges
- 78 offences against Naveed Akram
- Murder charges
- 15 counts
- Injuries
- 40 people
- Investigation
- Described by prosecutor Danielle New as unprecedented
What people are saying
It’s important the crown goes over everything again, to make sure no person’s narrative is left untold.
The [joint counter-terrorism team] has engaged in an investigation the size of which has been unprecedented.