Bondi Beach terrorist to face 19 extra charges over Hanukkah massacre |
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — An Australian man accused of killing 15 people in a massacre at a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach will face 19 more charges related to the terror attack, officials said Wednesday.
Naveed Akram was already charged with 59 counts, including murder, attempted murder, and committing a terrorist act, after two gunmen opened fire on the Jewish festival event in December 2025. He hasn’t yet been required to enter a plea.
The 24-year-old was shot and wounded, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in a gun battle with police that ended the terror attack. The massacre was inspired by the Islamic State group, Australian police said.
A procedural hearing in the younger Akram’s case was held on Wednesday in Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court to discuss a gag order that suppresses the identities of victims and survivors of the attack who have not chosen to identify themselves publicly.
A video link from jail was scheduled for the hearing, but Akram did not appear on screen, the Australian Associated Press reported. A further hearing will be held on the matter in........