Prosecution of Naveed Akram
On 17 December 2025, the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) (comprising the New South Wales Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission) formally referred the prosecution of charges against Naveed Akram (the defendant) to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP).
The prosecution against the defendant relates to his alleged role in the Bondi Beach shootings on Sunday, 14 December 2025 (the JCTT investigation into those matters is called Operation Arques).
The CDPP recognises the high level of public interest in this matter and will provide regular prosecution updates.
Charges
On 17 December 2025, the JCTT charged the defendant with the following offences:
Offence provision | Number of charges | Description of offence | Maximum penalty |
| Criminal Code (Cth), s 101.1 | 1 | Commit terrorist act | Life imprisonment |
| Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), s 18 | 15 | Murder | Life imprisonment |
| Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), s 27 | 40 | Attempted murder | Imprisonment for 25 years |
| Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), s 33A | 1 | Discharge Firearm etc with intent | Imprisonment for 25 years |
| Criminal Code (Cth), s 80.2HA | 1 | Display prohibited terrorist organisation symbol | Imprisonment for 5 years |
| Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), s 48 | 1 | Causing explosives to be placed in or near building, conveyance or public place | Imprisonment for 14 years |
Court Update
On 17 December 2025, the matter was before the Downing Centre Local Court. The defendant did not apply for bail and bail was formally refused. The court made an order for the brief of evidence to be served by 8 April 2026 and adjourned the matter to that date. The Court granted the prosecution application for an interim suppression order over the Statement of Facts until 22 December 2025. The order was made on the ground that it was necessary to prevent prejudice to the proper administration of justice noting that the police investigation is ongoing. The hearing of the suppression order application is listed on 22 December 2025.
On 18 December 2025, the Court lifted the suppression order over the Statement of Facts. Prior to public release of any materials, the prosecution has requested a hearing to determine an application for a non-publication order in relation to certain personal identification details on the court file. The matter is next listed on 22 December 2025.
Role of the CDPP
The CDPP is an independent prosecution service established by Commonwealth Parliament to prosecute alleged offences against Commonwealth law.
Further information about the CDPP and the prosecution process can be accessed on our website.
Victims and Witnesses
The CDPP’s Prosecution Policy and Victims of Crime Policy set out our obligations towards victims of crime which includes keeping them informed of the progress of the prosecution and consulting with them in relation to certain prosecution decisions.
The CDPP’s Witness Assistance Service provides information and support to victims of crime and works closely with prosecutors to help ensure that victims and their families are provided with information and support throughout the prosecution process.
Our Victims and Witnesses website provides further information including the support services available to victims of crime.
NSW Victims Services is available to provide access to counselling and financial assistance and can be contacted on 1800 411 822 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm). More information is available on their Support for victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist incident webpage.