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Court lifts suppression order on Bondi attacker's family
A Sydney judge has overturned an interim order shielding the identities and addresses of Naveed Akram's relatives, ruling that the case's global notoriety outweighed privacy concerns.
Background to the legal battle
Akram, 24, faces 59 charges over the December attack on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead. His lawyers sought a 40-year suppression order for his mother, brother, and sister, citing threats and harassment.
An interim order was granted last month but challenged by media outlets, leading to Thursday's decision.
Judge cites public interest and online exposure
Judge Hugh Donnelly ruled that the case had attracted "unprecedented" attention in Australia and abroad, with family details already circulating widely on social media and international platforms.
"This case has unprecedented public interest, outrage, anger and grief,"
Judge Hugh Donnelly
The judge noted that a suppression order would have limited effect, as it would not apply to overseas media or digital platforms. He also pointed out that Akram's driver's licence details had already been posted online.
Family's safety concerns dismissed
Akram's legal team argued that his relatives had faced abuse, including threatening messages, drive-by harassment, and fears of arson. His mother stated in a written submission: "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."
The court acknowledged these concerns but ruled that the siblings' names and workplaces were irrelevant to the legal proceedings and that no imminent risk had been proven.
Media opposition and enforcement challenges
Lawyers for media organisations, including the Guardian Australia, argued that the family's details were already public knowledge and that suppression would be unenforceable, particularly on global platforms.
Judge Donnelly described the request for a 40-year order as failing to meet the threshold for "exceptional circumstances" and expressed doubts about its practicality.
Next steps
Akram, who appeared via video link from a high-security prison, will remain in custody as the case proceeds. No further suppression applications have been announced.
