Sydney, Aug 12: Prosecutors have compiled more than 800 witness statements in the case against a 25-year-old man accused of killing 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, with investigators still examining a substantial amount of evidence.
Naveed Akram appeared briefly before Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday in connection with 78 charges arising from the December 14 attack at Bondi Beach, which police allege was inspired by the Islamic State group.
Prosecutor Danielle New told the court that more than 800 witness statements had been reviewed, along with video footage, ballistic evidence and data extracted from seven electronic devices.
However, evidence from another 12 electronic devices and a report on the testing of an improvised explosive device were still awaiting examination, she said.
The court adjourned the matter until October 28, when prosecutors are expected to provide an update on the progress of the case.
According to police, Akram and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, allegedly began the attack by throwing four improvised explosive devices towards a Jewish gathering. The devices failed to detonate.
Police said the explosives included three aluminium pipe bombs and a tennis-ball bomb containing explosive material, gunpowder and steel ball bearings. Although none exploded, investigators described the devices as viable.
Sajid Akram was killed in a gunbattle with police, while Naveed Akram was injured and subsequently taken into custody.
Naveed Akram has not yet entered pleas to charges including murder, attempted murder and committing a terrorist act.
