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Bondi Beach Shooting Suspect Wins Interim Order to Shield Family Identities as Media Plan Challenge

Defence lawyers say the restriction is needed to protect relatives from harm in a case drawing global attention.

Overview

  • Magistrate Greg Grogin granted temporary non-publication orders covering the names, addresses and workplaces of Naveed Akram’s mother, brother and sister.
  • Lawyers for News Corp and other outlets signalled they will oppose the curb, with the magistrate noting much information is already public, saying the “horse has bolted.”
  • The matter will return to court next week for arguments on the gag application, with a longer hearing set in April when prosecutors are expected to outline their brief.
  • A separate suppression order protecting victims’ identities was extended, allowing survivors to choose if and when to be identified.
  • Akram remains in custody facing 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and a terrorism offence, over the December 14 attack police allege was ISIS-inspired and carried out with his father, who was shot dead at the scene.