Sydney Hanukkah attack case: 800+ witness statements compiled
Prosecutors have gathered over 800 witness statements in the case against Naveed Akram, accused of a Sydney Hanukkah attack that killed 15.
The prosecution case against a man accused of a deadly attack on a Sydney Hanukkah gathering has swelled to include more than 800 witness statements, a court heard on Wednesday.
Naveed Akram, 25, appeared briefly at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court, facing 78 charges linked to the December 14 massacre at Bondi Beach. Police allege the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group.
Prosecutor Danielle New told the court that a substantial volume of evidence is still being assembled. While over 800 witness statements have already been reviewed, along with video footage, ballistic analysis, and data from seven electronic devices, the examination is not complete.
Data from a further 12 electronic devices and a report on the testing of an improvised explosive device (IED) are yet to be reviewed, New said.
The case has been adjourned until October 28, when prosecutors are expected to provide an update on their progress.
Akram and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, are alleged to have launched the assault by throwing four IEDs toward a Jewish crowd. The devices, described by police as three aluminum pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb packed with explosive, gunpowder, and steel ball bearings, failed to detonate. Police have described them as "viable" IEDs.
The elder Akram was killed in a gunbattle with police, while Naveed Akram was wounded. He has not yet entered pleas to the charges, which include murder, attempted murder, and committing a terrorist act.