Lawyers for Naveed Akram, accused of participating in the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney last December, have asked Australian courts to prohibit the media from disclosing the identities of his family members, citing risks to their safety.
According to police, 24-year-old Naveed Akram opened fire during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on December 14, killing 15 people. This attack is considered the worst mass shooting in Australia for decades.
Authorities say his father, Sajid Akram, who was also involved in the attack, was shot dead by police at the scene. Investigators believe the two men were inspired by the Islamic State group and used several high-powered firearms, legally acquired by the father.
During a hearing in Sydney, Naveed Akram's lawyers asked the court to prevent the publication of the names of his mother, brother and sister, as well as any information that could identify them, including their address, place of work or school.
Magistrate Greg Grogan has decided to extend the provisional publication ban until next month. He justified this decision by citing the international media attention the case has garnered and the potential risks to the suspect's family.
The legal proceedings against Naveed Akram continue, while the Bondi Beach attack has deeply affected public opinion in Australia and reignited the debate on security and violent radicalization in the country.
