A Sydney court on Wednesday scheduled a committal hearing for February 24, 2027, in the case of Naveed Akram, who faces 78 criminal charges over the December 2025 shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead and 42 others injured.
The decision came after prosecutors requested a 17-week adjournment to allow further consultations with survivors and the families of those killed, according to Australian media reports.
Prosecutor Danielle New told the Downing Centre Local Court that additional time was required to consult the large number of victims and bereaved relatives regarding the specific charges the prosecution intends to pursue.
Akram, 25, was not required to appear in court on Wednesday and remained in custody at a high-security prison. His defence lawyer did not submit an application for bail.
According to The Australian, the accused is expected to attend the next hearing through a video link from prison.
Akram faces multiple charges of murder, attempted murder and committing a terrorist act, among a total of 78 offences arising from the deadly attack.
The shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in December 2025, when gunmen opened fire on people gathered for the Jewish religious festival.
Authorities identified Akram’s father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, as another alleged attacker. Police said the elder Akram was armed and participated in the shooting before being fatally shot by officers at the scene.
Naveed Akram was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Australian police classified the shooting as a terrorist attack, which claimed 15 lives and left another 42 people injured.
The February hearing will form part of the legal process to determine how the prosecution’s case proceeds, following further consultation with those directly affected by the attack.
Akram remains in custody as the proceedings continue.