26 Feb 2020

Auckland man may face terrorism charge

1:48 pm on 26 February 2020

The Crown has sought to charge an Auckland man with terrorism in what would be the second case in New Zealand history.

Entrance to the High Court in Auckland

Photo: justice.govt.nz

The man, who has name suppression, appeared before Justice Davison in the High Court at Auckland this morning.

If formally charged, he would be the second person to be charged under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002.

Accused Christchurch gunman Brenton Tarrant was the first to be charged after the mosque attacks last year.

The Australian national has pleaded not guilty to terrorism, 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder and will go to trial in June.

This morning the Auckland man's lawyer Belinda Sellars QC told the court her client considered the terrorism allegation "a fake charge".

Suppression orders prevent the media from publishing further details of the hearing or case.

Justice Davison remanded the man in custody to reappear in April.