The Australian man accused of carrying out the mosque attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 15 will face 50 murder charges and 39 attempted murder charges, according to the police.
Suspected white supremacist Brenton Tarrant was previously charged with only a count of murder after the attack. Police have now confirmed that charges for the murder of all 50 persons killed in the attack and injuries would be updated before his next court appearance.
Tarrant will appear via video link in the Christchurch court from a maximum-security prison in Auckland on Friday. He had sacked a court-appointed lawyer after his first appearance in court.
The court has released a note saying that the appearance is likely to be brief and would “ascertain the defendant's position regarding legal representation”. The court further said that Tarrant would not be required to enter a plea during Friday's hearing.
Two mosques in Christchurch came under attack on March 15. Tarrant had opened fire at Muslim worshippers, killing 50 and injuring several others. This was the worst mass shooting New Zealand has ever witnessed. The attack prompted the Jacinda Ardern government to review existing gun control laws and vote on banning all semi-automatic and other deadly firearms in the country.
(With inputs from agencies)
