UPDATE: Australians are expressing outrage as taxpayers are set to fund the legal defense of accused Bondi Beach mass-killer Naveed Akram, who faces an unprecedented 59 charges including 15 counts of murder. The legal representation will be provided by the prominent Sydney law firm Archbold Gittani, a move that has sparked significant public backlash.
On December 14, 2025, Akram, along with his father Sajid Akram, allegedly opened fire during the “Hanukkah by the Sea” event, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. While Sajid was killed by police, Naveed, aged 24, is currently held at Goulburn Supermax, recognized as Australia’s most secure prison, located 200 km south-west of Sydney.
The decision to fund Akram’s defense through Legal Aid, which primarily relies on taxpayer money, raises questions about resource allocation in high-profile criminal cases. Lawyer Leonie Gittani defended the move, stating, “Everyone is entitled to legal representation, and we never allow our personal views to affect our professional obligations.”
However, critics, including Robert Gregory, Chief Executive of the Australian Jewish Association, expressed disbelief. “Taxpayers would be surprised by reports that Legal Aid has engaged a leading law firm to represent an accused terrorist murderer,” he stated. “Public money should be used sparingly and with clear justification.”
Akram’s legal journey will be closely monitored. He is classified as a “category AA” inmate, indicating a high risk of terrorist activities, and remains under strict surveillance in an isolation facility. His legal team must undergo rigorous vetting to visit him, and all communications are monitored.
As legal proceedings unfold, Australians watch closely. With Akram facing serious charges, including discharging a firearm in public and placing an explosive with intent to cause harm, the implications for victims and their families, as well as for the broader community, are profound.
Akram does have limited access to a private exercise yard and can receive supervised family visits, but conversations are restricted to English. His case is not just a legal matter but a focal point of national concern, raising ethical questions about the justice system and its funding.
The legal proceedings are expected to commence soon, and the public’s reaction will likely continue to evolve as more details emerge. The debate over taxpayer-funded legal representation for those accused of heinous crimes is far from over.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
