Ask Onix
Family of Bondi gunman request identity protection
The relatives of Naveed Akram, accused in Sydney's deadliest mass shooting, have asked a court to shield their personal details from public records, citing persistent threats and harassment.
Background of the case
Akram, 24, faces 59 charges for the 14 December attack on a Jewish festival in Bondi. Authorities allege he acted alongside his father, Sajid Akram, who died at the scene. Police have classified the incident as Australia's worst terrorist attack, with 15 fatalities.
Family's plea for suppression
In Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, the family's lawyer, Richard Wilson, argued that publishing the names, addresses, and workplaces of Akram's mother, brother, and sister could expose them to vigilante violence. A temporary suppression order was granted last week, though the mother's name has already circulated widely.
Wilson acknowledged the public's grief and outrage but stressed that the family had no involvement in the attack. He presented statements from Akram's mother describing ongoing intimidation, including verbal abuse from passing vehicles, late-night knocks at their door, and threats via text and phone calls.
"We live in constant fear someone will harm us or set our house on fire. I fear for my life and the lives of my children."
Statement from Naveed Akram's mother
Media outlets oppose the order
Major Australian news organizations, including News Corp Australia, the ABC, and Guardian Australia, have contested the suppression request. Their lawyer, Matthew Lewis, argued that the information is already public and that the threats described in the family's affidavits had diminished over time.
Lewis emphasized the importance of transparency, stating it would help the community process the tragedy. He added that there was no evidence of an imminent risk to the family.
Courtroom proceedings
Akram appeared via video link from a high-security prison, confirming he could hear the proceedings but otherwise remaining silent, his head bowed throughout.
Next steps
A final decision on the suppression order is expected on 2 April.
