A former agent claims that Sajid Akram expressed support for ISIS in 2019, raising concerns that were later deemed unsubstantiated by Australia's intelligence agency, ASIO.
Sajid Akram, the Bondi Beach terrorist, reportedly voiced support for the Islamic State (IS) back in 2019, as detailed by a former undercover agent on the investigative program Four Corners. This former agent expressed concerns regarding the radicalization of Sajid and his son Naveed to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) during that time. However, ASIO's subsequent investigations into these claims led them to conclude that they were unsubstantiated, and in 2020, ASIO assessed that Naveed did not pose any terrorism threat or show support for ISIS.
The troubling connections to extremist ideologies extended beyond mere support for ISIS; Akram reportedly admired a key Al Qaeda propagandist, reflecting a deeper affiliation with radical views. Despite the intelligence assessments from ASIO, it was later revealed that both Sajid and Naveed Akram were involved in a horrific attack that occurred in December, targeting a Hanukkah celebration and resulting in the tragic loss of 15 lives. The incident was characterized as IS-inspired, marking a point of serious concern for national security in Australia.
Following the attack, Sajid Akram was shot and killed by authorities, while Naveed Akram faced charges of terrorism and murder. This case has raised critical questions about the effectiveness of intelligence and investigation within Australia, especially concerning the capacity to monitor and respond to potential threats that may not be immediately apparent, highlighting the complexities surrounding radicalization and the challenges faced by security agencies in pre-emptively addressing such dangers.
