Naveed Akram, 24, has been transferred to the High Risk Management Correctional Centre in Goulburn, New South Wales. The transfer follows his charging with 59 offenses, including terrorism and 15 counts of murder. These charges are connected to a December 14 incident near Bondi Beach where firearms were discharged into a crowd commemorating Hanukkah, resulting in 15 fatalities. Akram's father, Sajid Akram, was fatally shot by police at the scene.
Transfer Details
Akram's transfer to the High Risk Management Correctional Centre, commonly known as Goulburn Supermax, occurred on Monday. He was moved from Long Bay Jail's medical unit in Sydney, where he had been hospitalized for approximately two weeks after sustaining injuries during his apprehension by police.
Charges and Incident Overview
Akram faces a total of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. The charges are related to an incident that took place on December 14 near Bondi Beach. During the event, firearms were discharged into a crowd, leading to the deaths of 15 individuals. Sajid Akram, identified as Naveed Akram's father, was fatally shot by police at the scene.
High Risk Management Correctional Centre
The High Risk Management Correctional Centre is situated in the New South Wales Southern Tablelands. A spokesperson for the NSW Government stated that while commenting on individual inmate circumstances is not permissible, community safety remains a primary focus for Corrective Services NSW. The spokesperson described the facility as the most secure prison in the state, equipped to accommodate inmates who present the highest levels of risk.
The facility recently underwent an expansion, increasing its capacity to house 75 inmates. It has been characterized as the most secure correctional center of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. High-profile inmates, including crime gang leader Bassam Hamzy and convicted murderer Malcolm Naden, are housed at the facility. An unnamed source indicated that Akram is expected to remain at the facility on remand.
Potential Inmate Classification
Domenic Pezzano, a former superintendent with 35 years of service at Corrective Services NSW, commented on potential classifications for Akram should he be found guilty. Pezzano suggested possible designations such as an 'extreme high-risk inmate,' which would involve specialist teams managing his movements. Alternatively, Akram could face an AA security rating, which is the highest prisoner classification in New South Wales. Such a classification, according to Pezzano, would likely entail solitary confinement and extremely controlled interactions.