Ahmed Al Ahmed, hailed as a hero for his actions during the Bondi Beach terror attack, has publicly responded after being charged with domestic violence offences against his father. The charges stem from an alleged incident at a home in Sydney's south-west.
Court Attendance and Allegations
A court attendance notice was issued to Ahmed on Wednesday for alleged common assault and stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical harm. The charges relate to an incident on March 9 at a Bankstown home, which police say was reported nearly a week later. Ahmed is scheduled to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 29.
According to 7News, Ahmed allegedly placed his elderly father in a headlock during the altercation. In addition to the charges, police have obtained an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) on behalf of his father. The AVO prohibits Ahmed from assaulting, stalking, harassing, or contacting his father, and requires him to stay at least 100 metres away from his father's home and workplace.
Ahmed's Response
On Thursday, Ahmed addressed the allegations in an interview with the ABC, stating: 'It's fake information, it's not true at all. I don't have any information at all.' He firmly denied the claims made against him.
The charges come just days after Ahmed's two brothers, Hozifah and Sameh Al Ahmed, appeared in court for allegedly threatening him over the phone. They were charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend their older sibling. According to NSW Police, the brothers allegedly called Ahmed and each demanded $100,000 from him.
Hozifah and Sameh have pleaded not guilty to all charges and are due to face court on June 8. Meanwhile, Ahmed's court date is set for July 29.
Background: Bondi Hero
Ahmed was widely praised as a hero following the terror attack at a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach on December 14, which resulted in the deaths of 15 innocent people. During the attack, Ahmed wrestled a gun from one of the two alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram, who was later fatally shot by police. The surviving gunman, Naveed Akram, remains before the court.
Ahmed sustained severe injuries during the attack and has not yet fully recovered. A global fundraising campaign for his recovery raised approximately $2.6 million.
