The man accused of killing 15 people in a shooting at a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach appeared in court on Monday for the first time since his release from the hospital. Naveed Akram testified at the Downing Centre Local Court via video link from the high-security correctional facility in Goulburn, 200 km from Sydney.
He has not yet entered a plea to the charges against him, which include murder and terrorism. The hearing focused primarily on extending a publication ban protecting the identities of victims and survivors who have chosen not to speak publicly.
As a reminder, Naveed Akram, 24, was wounded in the attack, while the other assailant, his father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in a shootout with police. The attack took place on December 14 during a Hanukkah celebration on the beach.
He will have to appear in court again on April 9.
Three separate investigations
The police investigation is one of three official inquiries examining Australia's worst alleged terrorist attack and the deadliest mass shooting in the country for 29 years. One of these inquiries is looking into the interactions between law enforcement and intelligence agencies before the attack, which is believed to have been inspired by the Islamic State group. A royal commission, the highest form of public inquiry, will examine the nature, prevalence, and drivers of antisemitism in general, as well as the circumstances surrounding the Bondi shooting.
