Sydney terror suspect appears in court for first time

Monday 16 February 2026 - 08:00

By: Sahili Aya

Sydney terror suspect appears in court for first time

The alleged attacker behind the deadly antisemitic assault at Bondi Beach in Sydney appeared in court for the first time on Monday via video link. The hearing marks his first public appearance since the December attack that left 15 people dead, the deadliest act of violence in Australia in three decades.

Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with terrorism and 15 counts of murder. Authorities allege that on December 14, he and his father, Sajid Akram, opened fire on a crowd gathered to celebrate Hanukkah near the popular beachfront. His father was shot dead by police at the scene.

According to court officials and local media, the brief hearing focused largely on procedural matters, including the protection of victims’ identities and the extension of non-publication orders. The defendant reportedly gave minimal responses during the five-minute appearance from prison. He is scheduled to return to court on March 9.

Outside the courthouse, his lawyer stated that his client is being held in very difficult detention conditions. It remains unclear whether the accused will enter a guilty plea.

Investigators say the attack was ideologically motivated and inspired by the extremist group known as the Islamic State, although authorities maintain that the suspects acted independently and were not formally affiliated with an organized terrorist network. Police allege the assault was carefully planned over several months, with evidence including recorded propaganda statements and footage of firearms training in rural Australia.

The tragedy shocked the nation and sparked widespread debate about security and antisemitism. In response, Australia’s Parliament strengthened laws in January concerning hate crimes and firearms regulation.