Naveed Akram, accused of the Bondi Beach mass shooting, appeared in court for the first time, facing multiple charges while remaining largely silent.
Naveed Akram, accused of carrying out the deadly Bondi Beach mass shooting, faced court on Monday for the first time since his arrest. Appearing via video link from Goulburn supermax prison, the 24-year-old said only one word—“Yeah”—when asked if he had heard discussions about suppression orders. Akram faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act, after the December attack left 15 dead and more than 40 injured.
Akram’s lawyer, Ben Archbold, told journalists that it was too early to indicate a plea, adding that his client was coping “as well as can be expected” under supermax conditions. Court documents suggest Akram and his father, Sajid, who was killed by police during the attack, meticulously planned the shooting and conducted firearms training in October. The next court appearance for Akram is scheduled for April.