Accused Christchurch terrorist now charged with 50 counts of murder
Posted April 3, 2019 7:33 pm.
Last Updated April 3, 2019 9:35 pm.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The man arrested in the New Zealand Christchurch terror attacks has now been charged with 50 counts of murder and 39 charges of attempted murder, according to New Zealand Police.
Brenton Harrison Tarrant is due to make his second court appearance via video link on Friday although media photographs and reporting on the proceedings will be limited by New Zealand law.
Christchurch terror attacks — further charges laid.
Police can now confirm the man arrested in relation to the Christchurch terror attacks will face 50 Murder and 39 Attempted Murder charges when he appears in the High Court in Christchurch on Friday 5 April.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) April 4, 2019
Fifty people died in the March 15 attacks on two mosques.
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Tarrant won’t be required to enter a plea on Friday. The judge says the brief hearing will mainly be about Tarrant’s legal representation. He has said he wants to represent himself.
New Zealand tightly restricts what can be reported about upcoming court cases to avoid tainting the views of potential jurors.