A day after a deadly terror attack during a Jewish festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, a grieving mother is struggling to accept allegations against her son. Verena, whose husband was killed during the incident, has denied that her son had any role in the violence, even as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack that left 15 people dead.
‘He’s a good boy,’ says mother of accused
According to reports, Verena’s husband, Sajid Akram (50), was shot dead after allegedly opening fire at a religious gathering marking the start of the eight-day Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Their son, Naveed (24), who was present with his father at the time of the attack, was detained at the scene and is currently in custody.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Verena said she last spoke to her husband and son while they were on a weekend fishing trip to Jervis Bay. Recalling the call, she said, ‘He rings me up [on Sunday] and said, Mum, I just went for a swim. I went scuba diving. We’re going … to eat now, and then this morning, and we’re going to stay home now because it’s very hot.’
Images showing Naveed holding a firearm at the scene later circulated widely on social media. However, Verena insisted her son could not be involved in violence. ‘He doesn’t have a firearm. He doesn’t even go out. He doesn’t mix with friends. He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t go to bad places … he goes to work, he comes home, he goes to exercise, and that’s it,’ she said, adding, ‘Anyone would wish to have a son like my son … he’s a good boy.’
Investigation ongoing as nation mourns victims
Naveed previously worked as a bricklayer but lost his job months ago after his employer became insolvent. Sajid owned a fruit shop and the family lived together in a home in western Sydney they purchased last year.
The attack occurred while around 1000 people had gathered at Bondi Beach for the festival. Investigators say the attackers targeted a raised boardwalk and opened fire with long-barrelled guns for at least 10 minutes before police shot Sajid dead. Among the victims was a 10-year-old child.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, saying, ‘What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores.’ Authorities continue to probe the circumstances leading up to the attack.
