A white supremacist who killed 51 people at two New Zealand mosques will appear in court this week to try to withdraw his guilty plea. Australian Brenton Tarrant is serving a life sentence with no parole after admitting to murdering the 51 people and attempting to murder another 40 in the March 2019 attack on worshippers during Friday prayers in Christchurch. He initially denied the charges but changed his plea a year after the attack.
The 35-year-old, who also admitted one count of terrorism, has now launched an appeal, filed out of time, arguing he was incapable of making rational decisions at the time because of 'torturous and inhumane' conditions in prison. He also wants to appeal against his sentence. The hearing at New Zealand's Court of Appeal in Wellington is scheduled to run all week, with Tarrant expected to give evidence via video link.
Victims and family members will be able to watch the hearing via a delayed broadcast. Among those planning to attend is Aya al-Umari, who lost her older brother Hussein in the attack on Al Noor mosque. She expressed her resentment towards Tarrant's attempts to reopen systemic trauma, remarking on the unjust nature of his appeal in light of the devastation he caused.
The massacre led to significant changes in New Zealand gun laws, with the government implementing stricter regulations in response to the tragedy. If the appeal judges permit Tarrant to withdraw his guilty plea, the case could be retried on all charges.
The 35-year-old, who also admitted one count of terrorism, has now launched an appeal, filed out of time, arguing he was incapable of making rational decisions at the time because of 'torturous and inhumane' conditions in prison. He also wants to appeal against his sentence. The hearing at New Zealand's Court of Appeal in Wellington is scheduled to run all week, with Tarrant expected to give evidence via video link.
Victims and family members will be able to watch the hearing via a delayed broadcast. Among those planning to attend is Aya al-Umari, who lost her older brother Hussein in the attack on Al Noor mosque. She expressed her resentment towards Tarrant's attempts to reopen systemic trauma, remarking on the unjust nature of his appeal in light of the devastation he caused.
The massacre led to significant changes in New Zealand gun laws, with the government implementing stricter regulations in response to the tragedy. If the appeal judges permit Tarrant to withdraw his guilty plea, the case could be retried on all charges.
