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Taxpayers Fund Defense for Alleged Bondi Killer
29 Jan
Summary
- Taxpayer-funded Legal Aid is funding the defense of alleged Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram.
- The prominent Sydney firm Archbold Gittani will represent Akram, facing 59 charges.
- Akram is held in Goulburn Supermax, classified as a high-risk 'category AA' inmate.
Taxpayers are funding the defense of Naveed Akram, the 24-year-old accused in the Bondi Beach Hanukkah event attack. His defense will be handled by Sydney law firm Archbold Gittani, known for representing clients accused of serious offenses. Akram faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder.
His father, Sajid Akram, was killed by police during the incident on December 14. Naveed Akram is currently held in Goulburn Supermax, a high-security facility, where he is classified as a 'category AA' inmate, indicating a high risk of engaging in or inciting terrorist activities. This classification involves isolation and 24-hour monitoring.
The use of Legal Aid, which is primarily funded by taxpayers, for Akram's defense has raised questions. Robert Gregory, CEO of the Australian Jewish Association, expressed that while fair trials are essential, public funds should be used sparingly and with clear justification.
