Naveed Akram, a 24-year-old suspect in the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, has woken up from a coma while being treated in hospital. After regaining consciousness, police charged him with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder.
Akram had been in hospital since police shot him during the attack at Bondi Beach. After doctors confirmed he was mentally fit, police formally arrested him at his hospital bed.
According to Associated Press report, Akram is now able to speak and cooperate with investigators.
Father Killed at the Scene
Akram carried out the attack along with his father, Sajid Akram, who was 50 years old. Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene during the counter-operation.
Police say the father and son opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14.
15 People Killed, Many Injured
The attackers killed 15 people in what police have described as an antisemitic mass shooting. More than 20 others were injured and are still being treated in hospitals.
All the victims identified so far were Jewish. The ages of those killed ranged from a 10-year-old girl to an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor.
More Terror-Related Charges
Apart from murder, Naveed Akram faces several other serious charges, including – Wounding with intent to murder, public display of a banned terrorist symbol and placing an explosive in or near a building.
Police said improvised explosive devices were found in the attackers’ car at the crime scene.
Arrest at Hospital Bedside
News outlets reported that Akram woke up to find detectives waiting for him in the hospital. Doctors said he was mentally alert and understood what was happening.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said police arrested Akram only after doctors confirmed he was fit to understand the legal process.
Akram will appear before a court in a bedside hearing on Wednesday afternoon, according to 9NEWS.
Family Link to India
Police confirmed that Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad, India. According to an official press note issued by the Telangana Police, Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in the city before migrating to Australia in November 1998 on a student visa, in search of employment. He later settled permanently in Australia.
