Crowds flock as Sydney's Lindt café re-opens 95 days after terror siege

A Sydney cafe that was the scene of a siege three months ago reopened yesterday with plaques honouring two victims killed during the 16-hour standoff, which prompted tighter Australian immigration controls and a review of anti-terror laws.

The Lindt Chocolate Cafe opened its doors again with commemorative plaques for cafe manager Tori Johnson, 34, and 38-year-old lawyer Katrina Dawson prominently displayed. Both were killed in the final minutes of the December 15-16 siege.

Johnson was ordered to kneel by gunman Man Haron Monis and then shot in the back of the head. His execution prompted police to storm the cafe and investigations have since shown that Dawson was killed by a ricochet from at least one police bullet.

Monis, a self-styled sheikh with deep grievances against the Australian government and who claimed allegiance with the Islamic State group, was killed by police.

Cafe worker Joel Herat, who was among the 17 hostages held by Monis, returned to work, drawing praise from New South Wales state premier Mike Baird.

"There's a strong sense of comradeship that says we can get through this together, we are stronger together, just as the city has marched forward today," Baird said.