A widespread false claim has emerged online regarding the Bondi beach attack, attributing incorrect identities to the perpetrators. A manipulated image of a Facebook profile falsely identifies Naveed Akram, one of the attackers, as a Jewish man named David Cohen from Israel. This misrepresentation has gathered millions of views on platforms like Instagram and X.
Debunking the Misleading Claims
Social media is a powerful tool, but it can also spread misinformation rapidly. This particular image claimed to show the Facebook profile of Naveed Akram prior to its deletion. It included fabricated details, suggesting he was Jewish and had ties to Israel.
Errors in the Fake Profile
- The profile contains several spelling mistakes.
- Layout inconsistencies suggest it was not generated from a real Facebook account.
- Phrases like “add a new friends” and illegible buttons point to the use of generative AI.
BBC Verify examined the profile and found these discrepancies glaring. Furthermore, a search for the name “David Cohen” on Facebook yielded no results matching the false account.
Identity of the Attackers
The attackers have been confirmed as Sajid and Naveed Akram, a father-and-son duo. Authorities have not found any evidence linking them to Judaism or Israel. Instead, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the motivations behind the attack align with Islamic State ideology.
This incident highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it online. Misinformation can incite fear, create divisions, and harm innocent individuals.
