Christchurch Attacker Appeals Guilty Plea, Citing "Inhumane" Confinement
Brenton Harrison Tarrant, convicted of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, is addressing the New Zealand Court of Appeal in Wellington. He seeks to have his guilty pleas to 51 murders, 40 attempted murders, and one charge of engaging in a terrorist act vacated, requesting a trial. Alternatively, he seeks leave to appeal his sentence.
Basis of the Appeal
Tarrant will argue that he was unable to make rational decisions when he pleaded guilty in March 2020. This claim is based on the alleged "torturous and inhumane" conditions of his confinement.
His confinement was in a special high-security unit within Auckland's highest security prison. This unit was primarily established to house him and approximately a dozen other inmates classified as "extreme risk."
Legal Proceedings and Suppression Orders
The appeal application was filed beyond the standard deadline. Barrister James Rapley KC stated that Tarrant must demonstrate “very good reasons” for the delay and establish merit for the appeal. The court will also consider the impact of these proceedings on victims and their families.
The identities of Tarrant's lawyers have been suppressed for their safety, referred to as Counsel A and Counsel B. This marks a first for New Zealand legal proceedings.
Public Appearance and Victim Impact
This court appearance represents Tarrant's first public address since the 2019 massacre, which he live-streamed. Concerns exist that he may use the platform to express extremist views; however, the court is expected to carefully regulate the hearing.
Aya Al-Umari, whose brother Hussein Al-Umari was killed in the attack, believes Tarrant's actions are an attempt to remain relevant and cause further trauma to victims' families.
Al-Umari expressed, however, that the worst has already occurred for the families.
Victims' families initially experienced relief when Tarrant changed his plea to guilty, sparing them the ordeal of a trial. Janna Ezat, Hussein Al-Umari's mother, publicly forgave Tarrant during his sentencing, a sentiment shared by Aya Al-Umari, who advocates against sustained anger for personal well-being.
Context of the Attack
The attacks on March 15, 2019, resulted in 51 fatalities. Then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated that New Zealand would not give notoriety to the attacker, leading to a general practice of not naming him in public discourse, though the Royal Commission report referenced him once.
Hussein Al-Umari was posthumously awarded the New Zealand Bravery Star for drawing the attacker's attention away from other worshippers, enabling others to escape.