The hero cop who saved lives by taking down the Lindt Cafe siege killer nearly a decade ago still cannot be named for legal reasons, and it has had a huge impact on his life.
On December 15 and 16, 2014, Islamist terrorist Man Horon Monis held 18 hostages at the Lindt Cafe on Martin Place in Sydney during a 16-hour standoff with police.
Monis was armed with a pump-action shotgun, which he used to kill cafe manager Tori Johnson, and said he had a bomb in his backpack.
Officer A, who was part of the Alpha team, shot Monis dead, ending the siege in the early morning hours.
Ten years later, hostage Louisa Hope told the newspaper Daily telegram that Officer A “has no freedom… he is still attached to this nightmare, all because of a legal situation.”
Sydney Siege hostage Elly Chen flees from the Lindt cafe in Martin Place, Sydney, Monday, December 15, 2014
On December 15 and 16, 2014, Islamist terrorist Man Horon Monis held 18 hostages at the Lindt Cafe on Martin Place in Sydney during a 16-hour standoff with police (pictured)
Ms Hope, who suffered shrapnel wounds to her foot and stomach, and Officer A have since become friends, with a bond understood only by those who have ‘stared death’.
She said the suppression of his name has prevented him from rebuilding his life after the tragedy and has prevented him from doing what he really wants to do: helping crime victims.
The order, which keeps its name secret from the public, is still active despite the coronal investigation into the siege being closed.
“The man went to work that day and became embroiled in a multitude of the most challenging cases a police officer could face, but here we are ten years later and he is still in this precarious state,” Ms. Hope.
She added that all police officers involved that day were heroes and that a “technicality” should not affect the release of Officer A’s name, especially as he has now retired from the force.
Ms Hope said he should have the freedom to pass on his experience, skills and knowledge to help other people, but he cannot.
The NSW State Coroner, Teresa O’Sullivan, told Officer A that she “does not have the power” to allow his name to be released “now that the proceedings have concluded”.
If he were to come forward and reveal his name, he could face huge fines and jail time.
A spokesperson for NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley – who Officer A has asked for assistance – said: “Generally, non-publication orders are a matter for the parties and the relevant court.
‘Anyone seeking to have a non-publication order varied or revoked should seek legal advice to consider the specific circumstances of his or her case.’
With the legal block on naming him remaining, Officer A is forced to conceal his identity, which Ms Hope says is ‘morally wrong’ as he could be working for the good of the community.
“I think it’s a bureaucratic injustice because the truth is that this is unfinished business after the Lindt Café siege,” she said.
Mrs. Hope has one online petition to ‘give officer A his name back’.
Hostage Louisa Hope said Officer A “has no freedom… he is still attached to this nightmare, all because of a legal situation.” Photo of St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church, Sydney
Terrorist Horon Monis used Ms Hope (pictured) to repeat his demands after she took hostages at the Lindt cafe in 2014. She is now an advocate for Officer A.
People are pictured running out of the Lindt Café with their hands up on December 16, 2014
She saw parallels with her story among the survivors of the Bondi Junction murder of six people last month.
‘I’m very concerned about them. I know what awaits them, a lot of pressure from the media, society in general, the community. They have an inquest ahead of them, which is a lot of hard work, looking for answers,” she said.
Joel Cauchi, who killed six people and injured 12 others, was shot dead by a police officer at the Westfield Mall.
Unlike Agent A, that hero agent can be called Amy Scott.