The Christchurch mosque shooter has been designated as a terrorist entity by the prime minister.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
The designation under New Zealand legislation freezes the assets of terrorist entities and makes it a criminal offence to participate in or support the activities of the designated terrorist entity.
Last Thursday, Australian Brenton Tarrant, 29, who carried out the mosque attacks on 15 March 2019, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of ever leaving jail. He had earlier admitted 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one charge of terrorism.
Jacinda Ardern said the designation was an "important demonstration of New Zealand's condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism in all forms.
"This designation ensures the offender cannot be involved in the financing of terrorism in the future. We have an obligation to New Zealand and to the wider international community to prevent the financing of terrorist acts."
There are currently 20 terrorist entities designated under New Zealand law, including the mosque shooter, police said.
Under Section 22 of the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002, the prime minister may designate individuals or groups as terrorist entities, on advice from officials, police added.
Details of the designations process and the statements of case supporting designation of these entities can be found on the New Zealand Police website.
