A law firm led by a former Big Brother Australia contestant, known for defending individuals accused of serious crimes, has taken on the defense case of alleged Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram, with taxpayer funding.
Naveed Akram and his father, 50-year-old Sajid, are accused of opening fire on a crowd at the Hanukkah by the Sea event on December 14, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to dozens more.
While Sajid was killed by police during the incident, 24-year-old Akram is now facing 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder.
Additional charges against Akram include discharging a firearm in public, displaying a prohibited terrorist symbol, and attempting to place an explosive device near a building to cause harm.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that Akram’s defense will be managed by the well-known Sydney law firm Archbold Gittani. The firm is owned by lawyers Ben Archbold, who gained fame on Big Brother Australia, and Leonie Gittani.
“We have been representing clients charged with very serious offenses for more than 20 years, and this case is consistent with that experience,” lawyer Leonie Gittani told the Daily Mail.
‘Everyone is entitled to legal representation and we never allow our personal views to affect our professional obligations.’
The case will be funded by Legal Aid, which receives the majority of its money from taxpayers.
Accused Bondi Beach killer Naveed Akram (pictured) will be represented in court by high profile, Sydney-based firm Archbold Gittani. His case will be funded by Legal Aid
Lawyer Leonie Gittani (pictured) said everyone is entitled to legal representation
Mr Archbold has previously represented people accused of serious offences, including Keli Lane – whose baby, Tegan, was never found after being born in 1996.
He is currently representing police officer Lamarre-Condon, who has been charged with murdering Channel 10 producer Jesse Baird and his partner Luke Davies.
Ms Gittani previously represented Mathew Flame, who fatally bashed the son of rock singer Angry Anderson while high on drugs.
However, the move for Legal Aid to fund the case has been questioned by Australian Jewish Association Chief Executive Robert Gregory.
‘It’s understandable that taxpayers would be surprised by reports that Legal Aid has engaged a leading law firm to represent an accused terrorist murderer,’ he told the Daily Mail.
‘In Australia, everyone is entitled to a fair trial and proper legal representation, but when taxpayers are funding that representation, the public reasonably expects public money to be used sparingly and with clear justification.’
Another Aussie said: ‘While everyone is entitled to legal representation and due process, I am disappointed to learn that Legal Aid will fund a top criminal law firm to represent Naveed Akran the accused Bondi Terrorist.
‘Hopefully he pleads guilty so fewer taxpayer dollars are wasted that could instead have gone to help those who deserve support from Legal Aid.’
Lawyers visiting Akram at Goulburn Supermax would have had to undergo extreme vetting processes to enter the facility and speak to their client
A third added that Akram ‘shouldn’t even be allowed to have legal representation’.
Akram is currently being held at Goulburn Supermax, on the NSW Southern Tablelands, 200 km south-west of Sydney, which is also home to some of the country’s most notorious criminals.
The Goulburn Correctional Complex is known for its harsh isolation, often involving 24-hour lockdowns and extreme security.
Akram has been classified as a ‘category AA’ inmate, a title reserved for those deemed at high risk of engaging in, or inciting others to engage in, terrorist activities.
He’s in an isolation facility at the jail while being monitored 24 hours a day by electronic surveillance equipment.
The alleged terrorist does have access to a private yard where he can exercise for up to seven hours a day.
And he’s allowed supervised, pre-approved family visits, but all conversations must be in English.
Lawyers from Archbold Gittani would have been required to visit Akram at Goulburn Supermax.
Visitors to Supermax undergo extreme vetting including a full criminal background check before being allowed inside its gates.
The firm would not comment on what was said to Akram, or his demeanour.
Akram’s legal visits are not recorded but must be observed by Corrective Services officers. Any phone call he makes, with the exception of those to his lawyer, is monitored.
Earlier this month it was revealed that Muslim chaplain Ahmed Kilani had visited Akram behind bars.
The pair spoke for 10 to 15 minutes at Long Bay Hospital in Sydney’s south while Akram was treated for gunshot injuries before his move to Goulburn Supermax.
The conversation with Mr Kilani was recorded on a body-worn camera operated by a Corrective Services officer who monitored the exchange.
That recording was made at the direction of the prison hospital’s security manager and will be provided to NSW Police and other intelligence agencies.
Akram was also granted his request for a copy of the Koran.
