Ex-ASIO operative seeks to return to Australia to explain Bondi shooting
Former ASIO agent known as Marcus says Australians deserve to know why the December Bondi attack occurred and wants to give evidence in person.
A former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation operative identified only as Marcus claims he had prior knowledge of the radicalisation of Sajid and Naveed Akram, the gunmen behind the December Bondi terror attack. After his undercover role was exposed and his relationship with ASIO deteriorated, Marcus fled to an undisclosed foreign location and now argues that the victims, their families, and the Australian public deserve an explanation of the events.
He has lodged a second visa application after an initial refusal, asserting that security concerns and legal advice require him to appear on-shore to provide evidence to the Bondi royal commission and New South Wales police. The commission and police have expressed willingness to hear his account, and advocacy groups such as the Information Rights Project, Free Speech Union, PEN International and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network have publicly supported his bid. Marcus says he fears for his safety and believes appearing in Australia is the safest way to deliver his testimony.
Why it matters
His testimony could expose intelligence lapses that contributed to a high-profile terror attack.
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