Facing Life Imprisonment
Bondi Beach Terror Suspect Naveed Akram Awakens from Coma
Naveed Akram, 24, who carried out the deadly Bondi Beach terrorist attack with his father, has awoken from a coma and is cooperating with Australian investigators. The ISIS-linked suspect faces 15 counts of murder for the Hanukkah massacre that killed 15 people.
Naveed Akram, the 24-year-old suspect who, along with his father Sajid Akram, carried out the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, has awakened from a coma and is communicating with investigators, Australian authorities announced on Tuesday.
Naveed Akram, described as an ISIS supporter, was critically wounded by police gunfire during the attack that targeted a Chabad-organized Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people. His father was killed at the scene.
Police stated that Akram's recovery is critical for the investigation, as he is expected to provide key information on the planning, execution, and motives behind the massacre—particularly whether the duo acted alone or with additional accomplices.Under Australian law, terrorism-related murder convictions carry a mandatory life sentence without parole, especially in cases involving multiple victims.
Akram faces potential charges equivalent to 15 counts of murder, ensuring he will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars if he survives his injuries.Authorities are examining the pair's background, with growing suspicions of an ideological motive linked to the Islamic State (ISIS). The group "Street Dawah Movement" condemned the attack, stating Akram was not a member. His former Quran teacher, Adam Ismail, also denounced the violence.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon noted that the investigation is in its early stages, with limited initial information on the suspects.
Reports indicate Naveed Akram was briefly questioned by Australian intelligence in 2019 over suspected links to ISIS-associated individuals, though he was not classified as a radical threat at the time. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the assessment had changed in subsequent years.
The father and son visited the Philippines last month, arriving on November 1 and departing November 28. Their final destination was Davao on Mindanao island, a region known for Islamist insurgency and ISIS affiliates.
Former classmates described Akram as a quiet, unremarkable individual. After high school, he showed increased interest in Islam, participating in street preaching events in Sydney and studying Arabic and the Quran for about a year.
The attack has been officially classified as an antisemitic terrorist act motivated by Islamist ideology. Investigators aim to clarify outstanding questions as Akram cooperates from his hospital bed.