Overview
- Defense lawyers told a Sydney court that Naveed Akram’s mother and siblings have faced death threats, stalking and vandalism and fear vigilante violence.
- The application seeks to block publication of the relatives’ names, images and home address, as well as workplaces and schools, and to remove identifying details from prior reports.
- Media organizations argued the order would be futile because the information has already circulated widely, including Akram’s license photo posted shortly after the attack.
- Magistrate Hugh Donnelly reserved his decision until April 2 after Akram appeared by video from Goulburn Supermax, with no plea entered to 59 charges including 15 murders and a terrorism offense.
- Police say Akram and his father, who was shot dead at the scene, were inspired by Islamic State; officers recovered a box-like device and hand‑painted ISIS flags in their car.