The Australian government on Friday declared December 21 as a “Day of Reflection” to honour the victims of the terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach and to express solidarity with the Jewish community.
As many as 15 people were killed and 41 others injured in the attack on Sunday. One of the gunmen, Sajid Akram, was killed, while the other, his son Naveed Akram, was injured during a shootout with police.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also announced that the Commonwealth and state governments will work closely with the Jewish community on arrangements for a national day of mourning to be held in the New Year. He said this would allow the families of the victims the time and space to lay their loved ones to rest and support those who are still recovering.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said: “The Day of Reflection will be observed on the final full day of Chanukah, a time traditionally associated with light, faith and resilience, making the loss felt by the Jewish community even more profound. All Australians share in their grief. On Sunday, flags on Australian and NSW government buildings will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the lives lost and the grief shared across the country.”
The two leaders urged people across Australia to light a candle at 6.47 p.m. (local time), one week after the attack unfolded, as a quiet act of remembrance with family, friends or loved ones. They also appealed to Australians to observe a minute of silence.
“The day will include a number of ways to help the state reflect: buildings will light up yellow for the evening; light will beam into the sky from Bondi Pavilion; the NSW government will support Jewish leaders to deliver a community memorial event; television and radio networks will be asked to pause for a minute’s silence at 6.47 p.m.; and a shareable candle image will be used on social media to pledge support for Jewish Australians,” the statement said.
On Thursday, Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offences related to the Bondi Beach attack by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police, ASIO and the NSW Crime Commission.
The charges include 15 counts of murder, committing a terrorist act, 40 counts of causing wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent to kill, discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, causing the public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol, and keeping an explosive in or near a building with the intent to cause harm, 9 News reported.
Akram, who is currently undergoing treatment in hospital, appeared before the court virtually. He is not well enough to be transferred to prison and will remain in hospital under police custody.
Investigators will allege that officers arrived at the scene to find Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, using long-arm rifles to fire at people after police were called to Bondi Beach shortly after 6.40 p.m. on Sunday. Several officers exchanged gunfire with the alleged attackers, during which two officers were killed. The alleged nine-minute assault ended after Sajid Akram was shot dead and Naveed Akram was injured.
-IANS
