Alleged Bondi Terror Attack: Gag Order for Family Members

On December 14, 2025, Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, allegedly opened fire at the Chanukah by the Sea festival at Bondi Beach, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals and injuries to dozens more. This incident is recognized as the worst terror attack in Australian history. Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, reportedly inspired by Islamic State ideology. Sajid Akram was killed by police during the incident.

The Sydney Morning Herald

In a recent court session at Downing Centre Local Court, Naveed Akram's public defender, Richard Wilson SC, applied for a permanent suppression order to protect the identities and addresses of Akram's family members, including his mother, brother, and sister. The application was made on the grounds of their mental and physical safety. Magistrate Greg Gogin granted an interim suppression order until a decision is made next Tuesday, acknowledging the concerns raised about the family's safety.

The Guardian

News Corp Australia opposed the gag order, arguing that extensive media coverage has already compromised the family's anonymity. Legal counsel for News Corp, Benjamin Regattieri, described the proposed order as futile, indicating that the information had already been widely disseminated both in Australia and internationally.

The Guardian

The attack was reportedly premeditated, with prosecutors alleging that Naveed and Sajid Akram had trained with legally obtained firearms and recorded videos promoting extremist ideology prior to the shooting. The police have indicated that both individuals had become radicalized and acted together in what they described as a joint criminal enterprise motivated by Islamic State.

The Sydney Morning Herald

The court's decision to grant a temporary gag order has sparked discussions regarding the effectiveness of such measures, given the extensive prior reporting on the case. Both Magistrate Greg Gogin and a media lawyer noted that the family's identities had already been revealed in earlier coverage, raising questions about the practicality of further suppression.

The Guardian

Critics of the gag order, including media representatives, argue that the suppression of information is unlikely to protect the family, as the details have already been made public. They contend that the focus should instead be on the broader implications of the attack and the warning signs that may have been overlooked prior to the incident.

The Sydney Morning Herald

The court is set to reconvene next Tuesday to determine the fate of the permanent suppression order. Meanwhile, Naveed Akram has not yet entered a plea regarding the charges against him, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack continues.

The Guardian

• “the horse has bolted” — Greg Gogin, Magistrate

The Sydney Morning Herald