Lawyers for Naveed Akram, the man accused of carrying out a mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach, have asked a court to prevent media outlets from publishing identifying details about his family. The request was made on Monday at Downing Centre Local Court, where a barrister from his publicly funded defence team sought a suppression order covering his mother, brother, and sister.
The proposed restrictions would block publication of their names, home addresses, and work addresses. Magistrate Greg Grogin granted a temporary order while the issue is considered further, citing the need to protect the relatives' wellbeing, including their mental and physical safety.
The order is expected to be reviewed next week after several media organisations signalled they would challenge it. During the hearing, a lawyer representing media outlets argued the restrictions would be ineffective because the identities of some family members had already been widely reported. As Mr Grogin himself observed, 'the horse has bolted'.
Akram, 24, is accused of opening fire during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on 14 December, killing 15 people and injuring dozens in what authorities say was Australia's deadliest terrorist attack. Police allege he carried out the attack alongside his father, Sajid Akram, who was shot dead by officers at the scene.
Authorities claim the father and son planned the attack over several weeks, training with firearms and recording videos promoting extremist ideology linked to the Isis militant group. Akram has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder, and has not yet entered a plea.
The case will return to court next week for a brief hearing, followed by a longer hearing in April when prosecutors are expected to outline their evidence. In January, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a royal commission into the shooting.
