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Sydney Attack Suspect Charged With 59 Offences, Appears in Court by Video

Prosecutors plan to argue he acted under Islamic State inspiration to instill public fear.

Overview

  • New South Wales Police identified the suspect as 24-year-old Navid Akram, who remains in hospital under police guard.
  • The charges include 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to kill.
  • Additional counts allege placement of an explosive device, use of a firearm to cause serious injury, and public display of terrorist symbolism.
  • He appeared before a Sydney local court via videolink from his hospital room, with the next hearing set for December 22.
  • Police say they will seek to prove in court that the attack constituted a terrorist act motivated by religious goals associated with Islamic State.