Christchurch attacker charged with terrorism

AFP

The man accused of killing 51 people in the Christchurch mosque attacks will be formally charged with terrorism.

“The charge will allege that a terrorist act was carried out in Christchurch,” New Zealand police in a statement.

They said the decision to lay the terror charge was made after consulting prosecutors and government legal experts.

Brenton Tarrant also faces 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder over the March 15 attacks.  

 New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called the mosque attacks "one of New Zealand's darkest days".

More from International

  • Trump set to make final decision on deal with Iran

    US President Donald Trump said he would make a final decision on Friday over a deal with Iran to extend their ceasefire that would need to include opening the Strait of Hormuz and dismantling Tehran's capacity to make a nuclear weapon.

  • Eight students arrested over deadly school fire in Kenya

    Kenyan authorities have arrested eight students on suspicion of arson over a fire at a girls' boarding school that killed 16 students, police said on Friday.

  • Israeli push to take more of Gaza raises alarm

    Hamas said on Friday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration that his country would expand its area of control in Gaza was a dangerous escalation, as European states and residents of the Palestinian territory also voiced alarm at the plan.

  • NATO member Romania says Russian drone hit apartment block

    NATO accused Moscow on Friday of reckless behaviour and pledged to "defend every inch of Allied territory" after Romania said a Russian drone had crashed into an apartment block in the alliance member state during an attack on neighbouring Ukraine.

  • Vance says US not there yet on agreement with Iran, but close

    US Vice President JD Vance has told reporters on Thursday that Washington was "not there yet" with Iran on an agreement but that the parties were close, adding that the US was in a position where it could substantially set back Tehran's nuclear program.