Alleged Bondi gunman Naveed Akram loses bid to give family anonymity

A man accused of one of Australia's worst ever mass shootings on Thursday lost a bid to prevent media from reporting the identities of his family.



Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly opened fire on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach last December, killing 15 people, in an attack police say was inspired by Islamic State. Akram had sought a 40-year-long gag order preventing the publication of the names or photos of his mother, brother and sister, as well as their home address and places of work and schooling, due to fears for their safety.



His bid was opposed by several Australian media groups, who said the proposed order prevented proper reporting on the case, which has attracted huge public interest in Australia and globally.



Finding in favour of the media, Judge Hugh Donnelly said the principle of open justice was fundamental to the trial, and that suppression orders "should only be made in exceptional circumstances".



"This case has caused unprecedented public interest, anger, outrage and grief," he said.