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A man accused of opening fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach made his first court appearance Monday, according to Australian news outlets.
Naveed Akram, 24, is charged with 59 counts related to the December 14 incident, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and a terrorism offense.
Authorities allege he carried out the mass shooting with his father, Sajid, 50, who was killed at the scene.
At a brief court hearing in Sydney, Akram appeared via video from Goulburn Correctional Centre, a maximum-security facility southwest of Sydney, where he is held on remand. He wore prison greens and largely remained silent, responding only to confirm he heard discussions about extending non-disclosure orders concerning the victims.
Outside the courthouse, defense lawyer Ben Archbold stated that Akram was doing “as well as can be expected” given the challenging prison conditions. When asked about his client’s plea, Archbold said it was too soon to determine and that he hadn’t discussed the specifics of the attack with him.
“I haven’t spoken to him about the attack in that regard,” Archbold told reporters. “We’re just beginning the process; we’re waiting for the brief to be served. That’s all I can say for now.” He added that he had visited Akram in prison.
“He’s just a client, and he deserves proper representation. We maintain our professional obligations regardless of personal opinions. The case is adjourned, and I have nothing further to add,” the lawyer said.
The case is scheduled to return to court in April.
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