Lawyers Seek Suppression Order for Family of Bondi Attack Accused

In Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Monday, lawyers for Naveed Akram, accused of carrying out Australia's deadliest terrorist attack, sought a suppression order to protect his mother, brother, and sister from escalating threats and harassment following the shooting that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach last December.

Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, allegedly opened fire on crowds attending the Chanukah By The Sea event on December 14, targeting Jewish families in an attack authorities described as inspired by the Islamic State militant group. Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police at the scene, while Naveed Akram was injured and later arrested. He faces 59 charges, including one count of terrorism, 15 counts of murder, and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder, as well as allegations of planting explosives. Akram, appearing via video link from a high-security prison in Goulburn, has not yet entered a plea and remained silent during the hearing, occasionally lowering his head.

Akram's barrister, Richard Wilson, told the court that the family home in the western Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg had become a target for vigilante actions...