New Zealand: final hearings at Christchurch massacre trial

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2 min

This Monday August 24 takes place the resumption of the trial of Brenton Tarrant. In March 2019, this white supremacist shot dead 51 people in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Last March, he was convicted of the murders, 40 attempted murders and one terrorist act. From this Monday, he will be confronted with the survivors of this carnage. At the end of this hearing which will last several days, the judge will fix his sentence.

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It was from Auckland Prison that Brenton Tarrant appeared during his trial last March. Via a video link, the 29-year-old man decided to plead guilty when he initially denied being the author of the biggest mass murder in New Zealand.

Until now, due in particular to the coronavirus epidemic, appearances have been held remotely. But in view of the atrocity of this attack which left 51 victims, the judge of the High Court of Christchurch considered it essential for the survivors to attend the last part of this trial.

Some will face him, but due to the sanitary measures in force, hundreds more will attend the broadcast of the proceedings from seven courtrooms of the Christchurch court. Others will follow this hearing online.

With the death penalty non-existent in New Zealand, Brenton Tarrant could spend the rest of his life behind bars. Charges of terrorist act and murder carry life imprisonment.

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• New Zealand
• Terrorism
• Justice