August M
Australian authorities have escalated the legal response to Sunday’s mass shooting in Sydney by formally pursuing the case under terrorism laws, a step that significantly broadens investigative and prosecutorial powers.
Police say the surviving suspect now faces dozens of charges, while courts and investigators prepare for what is expected to be a lengthy pre-trial process.
Terrorism investigation
New South Wales Police confirmed they have classified the Bondi Beach attack as a terrorist incident. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said preliminary assessments indicate the violence was ‘motivated by Islamic State’ group ideology
Investigators said materials recovered from a vehicle linked to the attack included improvised explosive devices and items described as “homemade” Islamic State group flags.
Officials noted that the terrorism designation allows authorities to use expanded counterterrorism provisions under state and federal law,.
Charges filed
Police said Naveed Akram, identified as the sole surviving suspect, has been charged with 59 criminal offences.
Prosecutors allege the charges include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, alongside dozens of additional allegations related to attempted killings and extremist symbolism.
Authorities said the second alleged attacker, identified as Akram’s father, Sajid Akram, 50, died at the scene after exchanging fire with police officers, reports the BBC
Court process underway
Court officials said initial legal proceedings were conducted while Akram remains under medical care following injuries sustained during the attack.
Judges have deferred further hearings until April 2026, citing the scale of the case and the accused’s condition.
Earlier on Wednesday, Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators had not yet formally interviewed Akram. ‘For fairness, we need him to understand exactly what is happening,’ Lanyon said, notes the BBC
Community impact
The shooting occurred during an event marking the first night of Hanukkah and was directed at members of Australia’s Jewish community.
Fifteen people were killed in the attack, while dozens more were wounded. Health authorities said 20 injured victims remain hospitalized across Sydney, with one person still in critical condition.
Officials said the incident represents Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996, a year that prompted sweeping changes to the country’s firearms laws and counterterrorism framework.
Sources: BBC
