Outrage as Australians are forced to pay for alleged Bondi mass‑killer Naveed Akram’s legal costs – as lawyer breaks silence about defending him
A law firm owned by a former Big Brother Australia star known for representing accused killers has been allocated the taxpayer-funded defence case of alleged Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram.
Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, allegedly opened fire on a crowd, killing 15 people and wounding dozens more at the Hanukkah by the Sea event on December 14.
While Sajid was shot dead by police, Akram survived and is facing 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder.
He is also charged with discharging a firearm in public, causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist symbol, and placing an explosive in or near a building with intent to cause harm.
It emerged on Thursday that Akram’s legal defence will be handled by prominent Sydney law firm Archbold Gittani, owned by lawyers Ben Archbold – a respected defence lawyer who featured in the third season of Big Brother – and Leonie Gittani.
‘We have represented clients charged with very serious offences for more than 20 years and this matter is no different,’ Ms 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 is primarily funded by taxpayers. Defence lawyer sources said Legal Aid regularly farms out cases to private firms because they have ‘too many cases and not enough lawyers’.
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
Prominent Sydney law firm Archbold Gittani is owned by lawyers Ben Archbold, a former Big Brother Australia star (pictured) and Leonie Gittani
Lawyer Leonie Gittani (pictured) said everyone is entitled to legal representation
Experienced defence counsel Mr Archbold has previously represented people accused of serious offences, including Keli Lane. The body of Lane’s baby, Tegan, was never found.
He is currently representing police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, who has been charged with murdering Channel 10 producer Jesse Baird and his partner Luke Davies.
Meanwhile, Ms Gittani previously represented Mathew Flame, who fatally bashed the son of rock singer Angry Anderson while high on drugs.
However, the fact that Legal Aid is funding the case has been questioned by Robert Gregory, the chief executive of Australian Jewish Association.
‘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 commentator 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 Akram 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’.
Life in Supermax
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.
