Christchurch attacker charged with terrorism

Tuesday, 21 May 2019 10:42

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

Qatari citizen killed from shrapnel due to 'military operations', one resident injured

A Qatari citizen has been killed after sustaining injuries from shrapnel due to "military operations in the area".
Iran and US step up attacks and threaten to escalate

Iran launched missiles and drones on US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain early on Sunday, shortly after President Donald Trump threatened to wipe out the Iranian leadership if they did not stick to the interim agreement to end their war.
33 people rescued, thousands still missing after Venezuela quakes

Thirty-three people have been rescued so far this weekend after Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes, the country's interim president said, including several children, while tens of thousands remained unaccounted for with time for finding additional survivors running short.
Ukraine hits two Russian oil refineries overnight

Ukraine hit two Russian oil refineries in the regions of Krasnodar and Yaroslavl overnight, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday, as Kyiv ramps up pressure on Russia's fuel supply with its drone fleet.
Pope Leo prays for Venezuela quake victims as EU sends emergency aid

Pope Leo on Sunday expressed solidarity with people in Venezuela grappling with the devastating impact of twin earthquakes that struck the country earlier this week.