Naveed Akram, the man accused of carrying out the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people, has been hit with 19 additional charges as authorities continue building one of Australia’s largest terrorism prosecutions.
Akram, 24, was already facing 59 charges linked to the December 14 shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and one count of carrying out a terrorist act.
On Wednesday, the Commonwealth prosecutor informed the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney that a further 19 charges had now been filed. These include 10 counts of shooting with intent to murder, six counts of firing a weapon to resist arrest, and three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.
With the new charges, the total against Akram now stands at 78.
The attack shocked Australia and devastated the Jewish community, with 15 people killed during the Hanukkah gathering. Akram’s father and alleged co-offender, Sajid Akram, was shot dead at the scene by police, while Naveed Akram was arrested.
The court was told that investigators from the Joint Counter Terrorism Team are still compiling a large brief of evidence, including around 230,000 CCTV images and multiple electronic devices. Some material is being translated.
Deputy Chief Judge Michael Antrum was also informed that investigators are continuing to refine the case and update police facts.
Akram’s lawyer said her client was aware that further charges could be added and noted that this is common in a case of this scale. She added that he has not yet entered a plea as the matter is still in its early stages.
Court-imposed suppression orders remain in place to protect the identities of victims, while a Royal Commission is privately examining the events leading up to the attack and is expected to report by the first anniversary of the incident.