In June, the Australian had declared himself innocent on all counts. For the survivors and the bereaved, the confession is reassuring because it will save them a long and painful trial.
“This is good news, I’m happy. It will save us a lot of time and stress,” said Temel Atacocuguwho the attack survived seriously injured, according to a report by the New Zealand Herald. The Prime Minister also sees it that way Jacinda Ardern: “Today’s admission of guilt will bring some relief to the many people whose lives were destroyed on March 15th.”
Only 17 people present
The perpetrator had then shot at Muslim believers in two mosques. 51 people died and dozens more were injured. He broadcast the attack live on the Internet using a helmet camera. Before the bloodbath, he posted a pamphlet with racist slogans.
After the confession, questions also came up. “I want to know why he changed his plea. The judge should have asked him that,” complained Atacocugu. Like most victims and relatives, he was unable to enter the courtroom on Thursday Christchurch be: Because of the corona virus also apply in New Zealand far-reaching restrictions.
Only 17 people, including the imams of the two attacked mosques, were present when the names of the 51 dead were read to the accused in a gray prisoner sweater. The 29-year-old grew out of a high-security prison in more than 1,000 kilometers north Auckland switched on.
The date before the court on Thursday had been rushed after the defendant indicated his change of heart. So far, the actual process was scheduled to start on June 2. Because of the pandemic, it is uncertain when a guilty verdict will fall. Judge Cameron Mander, however, promised to wait until the danger was over: “I can fully anticipate that anyone wishing to appear in court to hear the verdict can do so personally.”
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