Bondi Beach Terror Suspect Wakes from Coma, Faces 59 Charges Including Murder and Terrorism: But it Could be YEARS Before He Faces Justice
- Naveed Akram, 24, formally charged with 59 offences after waking up from coma
- Accused of taking part in Australia’s deadliest terror attack alongside his father, Sajid
- Legal battle expected to take 2-3 years, with complex forensic evidence and witness statements to be gathered
Naveed Akram, the young man accused of participating in Australia’s deadliest terror attack, has been formally charged with 59 offences, including murder, wounding, and terrorism. The 24-year-old woke up from a coma on Wednesday, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding his fate.
The dramatic turn of events came just days after Akram and his father, Sajid, allegedly opened fire on innocent civilians at Bondi Beach, leaving 15 people dead and 40 injured. Sajid was killed at the scene, while Akram was critically injured and placed into an induced coma.
As Akram begins his long journey through the justice system, his legal team will face a daunting task in preparing his defence. Criminal defence lawyer Jahan Kalantar warned that the legal process would be “going to take longer than people expect”, with the police investigation alone expected to take up to two years.
“There will be some technicalities involved; which firearm was used in the slaying of what person, what forensics can be linked to him and what can’t be,” Kalantar said. “It will be very difficult and it’s going to be challenging from an evidentiary basis.”
Akram’s case has already sparked controversy, with the 24-year-old struggling to find a private lawyer to take on his case. A video posted to social media on Wednesday showed Kalantar, who has spoken out about the difficulties of representing Akram, saying he would not represent the accused if asked.
“I believe so strongly in the right of the individual to have a strong representation in their matter,” Kalantar said. “I’m so affected by this, people I know personally are so affected, I cannot put aside that and do my job objectively.”
Akram’s case is listed to be mentioned before the local court on Monday, marking the beginning of a long and complex legal battle that will captivate the nation. But as the community grapples with the devastating aftermath of the Bondi Beach attack, one thing is clear: justice will not be served anytime soon.