Alleged Bondi Terrorist's Family Faces Death Threats, Court Hears
Lawyers representing alleged Bondi beach terror attack shooter Naveed Akram have urgently requested a permanent suppression order to conceal the identities of his family members, citing fears that "one or more of them may be killed" due to ongoing death threats. The application was made during a hearing at the Downing Centre local court, where media organisations, including Nine, News Corp Australia, the ABC, and Guardian Australia, are contesting the order, arguing there is no evidence of an imminent risk.
Family Safety at Stake Amid Public Outrage
Public defender Richard Wilson SC told Magistrate Hugh Donnelly that Akram's mother, brother, and sister have faced severe harassment since the December antisemitic shootings at Bondi beach, which left 15 people dead. Wilson emphasised that the family "cannot afford to move" and that police have confirmed they had no involvement in the attack. He detailed multiple incidents, including threatening phone calls, texts, and physical intimidation, such as people yelling "die, cunt, die" outside their home and a pork chop being thrown onto their car.
Wilson argued that suppressing their names and addresses is crucial to prevent further victimisation, stating, "Continued publication provides a focus for misguided people who may be tempted to take the law into their own hands." He acknowledged that a permanent order would not apply internationally but stressed the need to mitigate risks in Australia.
Media Organisations Challenge Suppression Request
Matthew Lewis SC, representing the media organisations, countered that there is no proof of an immediate threat, noting that incidents have decreased over the past three months. He pointed out that the family's identities are already widely known, with Akram's mother giving interviews to outlets like the Sydney Morning Herald and details leaked online, including a driver's licence photo. Lewis argued that fear alone does not justify suppression, and the order would be ineffective given the global reporting.
The court heard that Akram, 24, appeared via video link from Goulburn supermax prison, where he is remanded on 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act allegedly inspired by Isis. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed by police during the attack.
Judgment Reserved Amid Legal Debate
Magistrate Donnelly has reserved judgment until 2 April, leaving the family's fate in limbo. The case highlights the tension between public interest in reporting and protecting innocent individuals from backlash in high-profile terror cases. As the legal battle continues, the Akram family remains in a precarious position, caught between public outrage and their right to safety.
