Navid Akram, the suspect in the deadly Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, has been transferred from hospital to prison following his court appearance via video link. Australian authorities have filed 59 charges against the 24-year-old, including terrorism and 15 counts of murder. The government has pledged to strengthen laws to combat extremism and hate speech in the wake of the tragedy.
Akram had been receiving treatment under heavy guard since being shot by police at the scene of the December 14th attack, which claimed the lives of 15 people and injured 40 others. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was also killed at the scene, believed to be his accomplice.
Police documents presented in court revealed that the father and son had engaged in firearms training in rural New South Wales prior to the attack. They also conducted reconnaissance of Bondi Beach in the days leading up to the incident. DZWatch has learned that investigators uncovered a video on one of the suspect’s phones showing the attackers in front of an ISIS flag, where they discussed their motives and condemned “Zionists.”
According to the statement of facts, the suspects also attempted to detonate four improvised explosive devices amidst a crowd participating in Jewish events on the beach. The devices failed to detonate.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated that Australia will not allow terrorists influenced by ISIS ideology to prevail or divide Australian society. He emphasized that the government will push for stricter laws to counter hate speech and extremism, stressing the importance of maintaining social cohesion in the face of these threats. Albanese vowed to crack down on “hatred, division, and extremism,” promising measures including visa cancellations for extremist preachers and those who spread hate.
DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
