Accused Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram appears in court, faces 59 charges including 15 counts of murder over Hanukkah massacre

Naveed Akram, 24, made his first public court appearance by video link in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on 16 February.

“Property News:Australia's most expensive streets, and how much it costs to live in them”

9News.au

He is facing extensive charges over the 14 December Bondi Beach attack on a Hanukkah celebration.

9News.au

Across multiple reports Akram is said to face 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and at least one terrorism-related charge.

Outlets note the attack killed 15 people and injured dozens.

His lawyer, Ben Archbold, told the court it is too early to indicate how Akram will plead and said prosecutors have not yet provided a full brief of evidence.

Magistrate Sharon Freund extended suppression or non-publication orders protecting victims and survivors who have not chosen to be named.

Akram appeared by videolink from Goulburn supermax, variously described as Goulburn Correctional Centre or High Risk Management Centre.

He was largely silent during a brief hearing that lasted only minutes.

Al-Jazeera Net

Several outlets report he was dressed in a green prison jumper.

Outlets say he answered only briefly when asked if he could hear the court’s discussion, using words such as "yeah" or "yep".

Some accounts add that he spoke twice or otherwise remained largely non-responsive.

Police allege Akram and his father, Sajid (50), carried out the attack together.

“Topic:Courts The hearing is the first time Naveed Akram has been seen or heard since his arrest”

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Multiple reports summarise related allegations including reconnaissance, weapons training, and attempted use of improvised explosive devices.

Court documents and reporting say the pair rented a hideout and recorded videos with firearms and flags.

Investigators found devices described as pipe bombs and a 'tennis ball' device in or near their vehicle.

Outlets report that Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene.

Some explosive devices did not detonate but were assessed as viable in preliminary analysis.

Magistrates extended suppression and non-publication orders to let victims and survivors control whether their identities become public.

Many outlets report that prosecutors have not yet served the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions’ brief.

BBC

Defence lawyers said it was too early to indicate pleas.

The next administrative mentions are reported with slightly different dates across outlets, with some listing 8 April and others 9 April.

Several sources say the pre-trial process could run into 2027.

Reports link the attack to national debates over guns, extremism and antisemitism, and describe official and community responses.

“I don't see the article text — only the byline and timestamp”

CityNews Halifax

Tabloid and some mainstream pieces highlight policy changes such as tightened gun laws, a buyback program and a national day of mourning.

CityNews Halifax

Other outlets and local reporting focus on victims' identities and community grief, including international expressions of solidarity and visits by foreign leaders referenced in some accounts.