Accused Bondi Attacker Appears in Court

Naveed Akram, the man accused of a deadly attack at Bondi Beach, has appeared in court for the first time. He is facing many serious charges. The court is moving forward with the legal process.
By Newsroom | Crime, Australia |

Naveed Akram, the man accused of carrying out the deadliest terror attack in Australia's history, made his first court appearance on Monday. The attack, which occurred on December 14, 2025, at Bondi Beach, resulted in the deaths of 15 people and injured 40 others. Akram appeared via videolink from Goulburn Supermax prison, a facility for high-risk inmates. This court appearance marks a significant step in the legal proceedings following the devastating event.

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The legal process for Naveed Akram has been unfolding since his arrest.

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  • December 14, 2025: The attack at Bondi Beach occurred during a Hanukkah celebration. Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, allegedly opened fire. Both suspects were critically injured during an exchange of fire with police. Sajid Akram died at the scene.

  • December 17, 2025: Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder, one count of committing a terrorist act, and charges related to explosives and firearms. He was formally charged after waking from a coma in a Sydney hospital.

  • Following Arrest: Akram spent weeks in the Long Bay prison hospital before being transferred to Goulburn Supermax prison.

  • February 16, 2026: Naveed Akram made his first court appearance via videolink from Goulburn to the Downing Centre Local Court. During this brief appearance, he responded "Yeah" when asked if he heard what had occurred.

Allegations and Evidence

Police have detailed a series of alleged actions by Naveed Akram leading up to the attack.

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  • Bomb Materials: Authorities allege that Akram and his father created three pipe bombs, one tennis ball bomb, and a large improvised explosive device (IED).

  • Travel to the Philippines: Naveed Akram and his father traveled to the Philippines, arriving on November 1 and departing on November 28, 2025. CCTV footage of their movements in the Philippines has been shared with Australian authorities.

  • IS-Inspired Video: A video found on Akram's phone, recorded in October 2025, reportedly shows him and his father sitting in front of an image of the Islamic State (IS) flag.

  • Accommodation: Court documents indicate Naveed Akram allegedly rented a room at an Airbnb property in Campsie, Sydney.

  • Planning: Investigators believe the pair traveled to the car park near Archer Park at Bondi Beach two days before the attack.

Defense and Court Proceedings

Naveed Akram's legal representation has indicated that it is premature to discuss a plea.

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  • Legal Representation: Akram's lawyer stated that Akram did not need to appear in court, though this communication did not reach prison staff before the videolink was activated.

  • Suppression Orders: A magistrate extended existing suppression orders in the case, which protect the identities of victims and survivors who have not chosen to identify themselves publicly.

  • Future Appearances: Akram is next scheduled to appear in court on April 9, 2026.

Context of the Attack

The attack occurred on December 14, 2025, at a beachside Hanukkah celebration in Bondi.

  • Victims: The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 people and injured 40 others.

  • Police Response: Naveed Akram was shot by police at the scene. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed during the exchange of gunfire.

  • Terrorist Event: The incident was officially declared a terrorist event by New South Wales police.

  • Scope of Investigation: Police have stated that the alleged gunmen acted alone and were not part of a wider terror cell.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Naveed Akram?
Naveed Akram is the man accused of carrying out a deadly attack at Bondi Beach. He is facing 15 murder charges.
Q: What happened at Bondi Beach?
On December 14, 2025, an attack at Bondi Beach killed 15 people and injured 40. It happened during a Hanukkah celebration.
Q: What is happening now?
Naveed Akram appeared in court for the first time on February 16, 2026. He is currently in Goulburn Supermax prison.
Q: What are the charges?
Akram faces 15 counts of murder, one count of committing a terrorist act, and charges about bombs and guns.
Q: When is the next court date?
Naveed Akram is expected to appear in court again on April 9, 2026.