A man accused of a terrorism-related incident at Bondi Junction earlier this year has been formally charged with a total of 59 offences following a lengthy police investigation.
Court Appearance and Formal Charges
Naveed Akram, 33, appeared before Sydney's Central Local Court via audio-visual link from prison on Wednesday, 17 December 2025. The court heard that Akram now faces a substantial list of charges related to the alleged incident that occurred on 13 April 2025 at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre.
The charges, laid by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team, include a range of serious offences. The most severe charge is committing a terrorist act, which carries a potential maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Other charges include acts done in preparation for a terrorist act, possessing items connected with terrorist acts, and using a carriage service to menace or harass.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The alleged events unfolded on a Sunday afternoon in one of Sydney's busiest retail precincts. Police allege that Akram entered the Westfield complex armed with a knife and threatened members of the public, causing widespread panic and leading to a major emergency response.
Authorities have stated that the incident was treated as a terrorism investigation from the outset. The investigation involved extensive analysis of digital evidence, witness statements, and forensic material collected from the scene.
The court was told that the 59 charges reflect the comprehensive nature of the police case, covering Akram's alleged actions, planning, and communications surrounding the event.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
During the brief hearing, Akram's legal representative did not apply for bail, and it was formally refused by the magistrate. The case has been adjourned to allow time for the defence to review the extensive brief of evidence compiled by prosecutors.
The matter is scheduled to return to court on 11 February 2026. This adjournment is a standard procedural step in complex cases where a large volume of evidence must be examined by both sides before proceedings can continue.
The charges underscore the ongoing focus of Australian security agencies on preventing and prosecuting acts of politically or ideologically motivated violence. The case continues to be managed under strict protocols given its classification as a terrorism matter.
