Sky News
Taxpayers are set to fund alleged Bondi attack terrorist Naveed Akram’s legal case as a top Sydney law firm prepares to represent him.
Akram, 24, is facing a raft of charges, including 15 counts of murder, after he and his father allegedly committed Australia’s worst ever terror attack at Bondi Beach.
The alleged gunman was transferred to Goulburn Supermax prison earlier this month and has since had his case assigned to lawyer Ben Archbold’s firm Archbold Gittani.
Mr Archbold, whose previous high-profile cases included convicted baby killer Keli Lane, said the firm accepting to represent Akram “reflects our professional obligations, not our personal views,” according to The Daily Telegraph.
“This is a serious matter, requiring experienced counsel and we are well placed to handle it appropriately with the necessary sensitivities,” Mr Archbold said.
The masthead understood the firm was assigned the alleged gunman’s case earlier this week via Legal Aid.
Legal Aid – a taxpayer-funded service that usually fronts the bulk of legal costs for its clients – will be funding Akram’s case.
It is not yet known if Akram will plead guilty to the charges.
Meanwhile, Archbold Gittani co-owner Leonie Gittani told the Daily Mail that “everyone” was entitled to legal representation.
“We have represented clients charged with very serious offences for more than 20 years and this matter is no different,” Ms Gittani said.
“Everyone is entitled to legal representation and we never allow our personal views to affect our professional obligations.”
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