Alleged Bondi Beach gunman Naveed Akram has applied for a court order to prevent the media from publishing details about his immediate family. The 24-year-old faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder, after the December 14 attack on a Jewish festival. His lawyer argued that revealing information about his family could put them at risk.
The Court may order temporary suppression
Akram’s attorney applied to the Sydney Downing Centre local court for a no-publication order that would cover the names, addresses, and workplaces of Akram and his brother and sister. The magistrate, Greg Grogin, issued a temporary injunction due to the global attention this case has received.
Press Pushback is Expected
News Corp Australia (which owns News, several newspapers, and other major media outlets) has indicated that it might challenge the order. Next week, the court will briefly revisit this matter.
Families and court appearances
Akram’s mom spoke out publicly after the incident to defend her son. Sajid’s father died in the shootout that ensued with police. Naveed, the critically injured victim, did not enter a plea. He spoke just one word when he appeared in court last week, “yeah,” to answer a question about whether he had understood the discussion regarding the extension of other suppression orders.
