One of the men accused of carrying out last month’s Bondi Beach terror attack has been granted two requests in prison.
Naveed Akram, who has been charged with 59 offences, demanded to be given a copy of the Koran as well as access to a Muslim chaplain, according to local media.
Both requests made by the 24-year-old are understood to have been granted, with the time of chaplain Ahmed Kilani, who works for NSW Corrective Services, being offered up to Akram.
According to the website of NSW Corrective Services, the chaplain should be a “listening, caring and familiar figure who gives comfort and encouragement” to prisoners.
It adds: “Chaplains focus on the total person, providing emotional, pastoral and spiritual support, while also being available to speak about issues of faith.
“They contribute to the wellbeing of inmates and staff, and also of correctional centres as a whole.”
Mr Kilani boasts on his LinkedIn that he was worked with “some of Australia’s most notorious prisoners” and “has worked extensively with convicted terrorists”.
Australian news outlet The Daily Telegraph also reports the chaplain is a regular public speaker on “Islamic awareness” and “issues facing Australia’s Muslim community”.
Naveed Akram, the suspect in the Bondi Beach attacks, has been given access to a chaplain and a copy of the Koran
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SUPPLIEDNew South Wales’ Corrective Services have defended granting Akram’s request. A spokeswoman said the alleged Bondi terrorist, who has been granted the highest security classification of “Category AA”, was entitled to have access to a chaplain “under specific guidelines”.
“Inmates who are designated Category AA – the highest security classification in NSW – are subject to increased monitoring and restrictions,” the spokeswoman told The Daily Telegraph.
“Category AA exists for the secure management of offenders who enter custody charged or convicted of terrorism offences.
“Category AA inmates are allowed access to a chaplain under specific guidelines.”
On December 14 Akram and his father are alleged to have opened fire on attendees of a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. In total 15 people were killed and dozens of others injured.
While the 24-year-old was detained by police, his father – Sajid Akram – was shot dead by officers.
A CCTV footage shows Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram before the Bondi Beach attack
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REUTERSMr Kilani is understood to have first met with Naveed Akram when he was detained at Long Bay Hospital, having a 10 to 15 minute conversation with him.
Akram is now residing in the Goulburn High Risk Management Unit (HRMU) in isolation but still has access to the chaplain’s services.
Mr Kilani has not spoken out about working with the alleged Bondi killer but did publicly criticise the terror attack in the aftermath of the tragedy on December 14.
“As a Muslim, I want to say this clearly: violence against innocent people has no place in my faith or in any faith,” he shared on social media.
“Islam teaches the sanctity of life, compassion, and standing for humanity in moments of pain like this.
“My deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.”
