SYDNEY, 9 March 2026 (The Capital Post) — Lawyers representing a man accused of carrying out the deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach have asked a court to impose a gag order to prevent the media from identifying members of his family, citing concerns for their safety.
The request was made on Monday in a Sydney court on behalf of 24-year-old Naveed Akram, who is facing multiple charges over the attack that took place during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in December. His legal team asked the court to prohibit the publication of the names of his mother, brother and sister, as well as details of their home address and workplaces or schools.
Magistrate Greg Grogan granted an interim suppression order and extended it until next month, noting the intense global media attention surrounding the case.
According to police, the shooting occurred on Dec 14 and left 15 people dead, making it one of Australia’s worst mass shootings in decades. Authorities allege Akram carried out the attack alongside his father, Sajid Akram, who was shot dead by police at the scene.
Investigators believe the pair were inspired by the militant group Islamic State and used several high-powered firearms that had been legally obtained by the elder Akram.
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Naveed Akram faces a total of 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder and a terrorism-related offence. He has yet to enter a plea.
The case is scheduled to return to court briefly next week, ahead of a longer hearing on April 8 where prosecutors are expected to outline their evidence.
The Bondi Beach attack shocked Australia and renewed debate over gun laws and rising antisemitism in the country.— The Capital Post
