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A suspected terrorist accused of killing 15 people in a Bondi Beach shooting has lost his bid to protect the identities of his family members.
Naveed Akram allegedly shooting at Jewish Hanukkah celebrations in Sydney, Australiain December in an attack that police said was inspired by him Islamic State.
His father, Sajid, who police said was also involved in the shooting, was shot dead by police at the scene.
Akram faces 59 charges over the attack, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
Who is 24 years old has requested an anonymity order for 40 years to prevent publication of the names or photos of his mother, brothers and sisters as well as their addresses and places of work and school out of concern for their safety.
Akram’s bid was opposed by a number of Australian media groups, who argued that the proposed order would hinder proper reporting of the case.
Judge Hugh Donnelly ruled in favor of the media, saying the principle of open justice was fundamental to the trial.
He said that suppression orders “should only be made in exceptional circumstances”.
Judge Donnelly added: “This case has caused unprecedented public interest, outrage, outrage and distress.”
A member of the Jewish community stands at a floral memorial honoring the victims of the mass shooting in December. Photo: Reuters
Akram’s driving license, showing his home address, had circulated widely online after the shooting, while his mother gave an interview to a local newspaper after the shooting, the court heard.
Social media platforms and overseas publications, however, would be exempt from any order preventing the publication of their identities, so they would not be effective in any case, Judge Donnelly added.
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“This case is extraordinary because of the magnitude and intensity of the comments on social media,” he said.
Akram, speaking via video link, spoke only to confirm he could hear the proceedings.
Richard Wilson, Akram’s lawyer, told the court he had no plans to appeal the decision.
The Bondi attack is considered the worst terror attack and the largest mass shooting in Australia since 1996.
This prompted the Australian parliament to do this strengthening gun control and hate speech lawsand a government-backed inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion in the country was launched in the wake of the atrocity.
The inquiry is expected to report its findings in December this year.
