Christchurch mosque attacks: Murder accused named as Brenton Tarrant

2:45 pm on 16 March 2019

The man charged with murder following yesterday's terrorist attacks in Christchurch has appeared in court.

The accused in court

The accused in court Photo: NZME

Brenton Tarrant, 28, appeared in the Christchurch District Court this morning.

He did not seek name suppression and has been remanded in custody.

Tarrant was handcuffed and appeared calm in court.

His appearance was over in five minutes, with the judge considering media applications from outlets from around the world. Pictures were allowed to be taken of the accussed but Tarrant's face had to be pixelated.

Police said while he was currently facing only one charge, more would be laid. The case will go to the High Court.

The court was closed to the public during the appearance due to the heightened security risk and media were walked in six at a time.

RNZ court reporter Anneke Smith said the charging document at court alleged Tarrant murdered a person whose name was suppressed by the judge.

The judge allowed media to take images but ordered Tarrant's face to be pixelated to protect his fair trial rights.

The police cordoned off a block near the Christchurch district court when Tarrant appeared, with a bomb sniffer dog team and the armed offenders' squad in attendance.

An armoured vehicle pulled took Tarrant away.

Meanwhile, a Christchurch teenager has also been charged with inciting racial disharmony under the Human Rights Act.

The charge sheet said the 18-year-old had intent to "excite hostility or ill will against" against people in New Zealand on the grounds of colour, race, ethnic or national origins, by publishing written matter which was "insulting".

It carries a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment or a $7000 fine.

It is not clear if it is linked to the mosque killings or events after.

He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Monday.

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