Warning: this story includes distressing details of the 15 March Mosque terrorism attacks.
RNZ, Christchurch, August 24, 2020
The High Court in Christchurch is ringed with heavy security this morning for the sentencing of the Mosque gunman, Brenton Tarrant.
RNZ Reporter in Christchurch said that police snipers have been seen on rooftops and roads near the city’s justice precinct are blocked off.
Other court activity is limited to urgent matters only.
Strict cyber precautions for watching the trial via a livestream are also in place.
Victims at the Court
Dozens of Mosque shooting victims and their families began waiting outside the court in the rain early this morning, with more than 60 expected to have their say.
The High Court hearing was started at 10 am and is expected to take about four days.
It will be the first time that Tarrant has appeared in person in the dock since his first appearance shortly after the March 15, 2019 attacks.
He has admitted to 51 counts of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one charge under the Terrorism Suppression Act.
Nothing that is happening in the courtroom can be reported until after the 1 pm adjournment.
An unusual case
The nature, scale and media coverage of the massacre positions the crime as a highly unusual court case, complicated by the second Covid-19 outbreak.
Despite this, the four-day hearing will follow the usual sentencing format aside from the reading of the summary of facts, outlining the admitted crime, at the start of the day.
This is expected to take some time, given the number of charges, and will be the first time the victims and their families will hear the massacre detailed in open court.
Next, 66 victims will share their victim impact statements, in person, by way of recording or through a supporter, in a stage of the sentencing that will likely take several days.
Legal submissions
Crown prosecutors Mark Zarifeh and Barnaby Hawes will then make legal submissions before an amicus curia, a lawyer assisting the court, will address the judge.
Given the 29-year-old has elected to represent himself at sentencing, either he or a standby lawyer appointed by the court will present legal submissions for the defence.
He will then be sentenced by Justice Mander.
‘Hero’ relieved hearing under way
The man hailed as a hero for saving lives by chasing the Christchurch gunman away from the Linwood Mosque is relieved sentencing day is finally here.
Abdul Aziz threw an Eftpos machine and gun at the attacker which scared the shooter off in March last year. He is one of hundreds of victims coming face to face with the convicted terrorist today.
Abdul spoke to RNZ before heading into the High Court with his two sons and is glad the final chapter of his nightmare is ending.
“We are looking forward to these days actually because we have waited long enough for these days. We just want to close this chapter and move on. It’s a mixed emotion.”
Aziz said that he is not fearful of seeing Tarrant in person but says he expects memories and emotions to come flooding back.
Protesters gather outside court
A contingent of fringe protesters has gathered outside the High Court with a loudspeaker and New Zealand flags.
They are holding signs referencing conspiracy theories and gunman Brenton Tarrant, with slogans such as “Bush did 9/11,” “disarm and control” and “wake up New Zealand.”
It is unclear what they are asking for.
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