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Portuguese Authorities Investigate Potential Connections between Martin Sellner and Christchurch Mosque Attacks

lisbon,Portugal – Portuguese judicial authorities have launched an examination into potential connections between Austrian far-right activist Martin Sellner and Brenton Tarrant,the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch,New Zealand mosque shootings. The inquiry centers on financial transactions and communications that allegedly occurred prior to the attacks, raising concerns about potential logistical or ideological support.

The investigation, initiated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Porto, Portugal, stems from evidence uncovered during a separate probe into Sellner’s financial activities. Authorities are examining a series of payments totaling approximately €640 (roughly $700 USD at the time of the transactions) made by sellner to Tarrant through an online payment platform in late 2018 and early 2019. These transactions were flagged during a routine financial review and subsequently brought to the attention of counter-terrorism officials.

Sellner, a prominent figure in the Identitarian movement in Europe, has consistently denied any involvement in the Christchurch attacks. He claims the payments were donations received through a crowdfunding campaign and were unrelated to Tarrant. However, investigators are scrutinizing Sellner’s clarification, seeking to determine the precise purpose of the funds and whether they were intended to support tarrant’s activities.

The Christchurch attacks, which occurred on March 15, 2019, resulted in the deaths of 51 people and injured 40 others at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Center in Christchurch, new Zealand. Tarrant, an Australian national, livestreamed the attacks on social media, and his manifesto explicitly cited Sellner and his organization as sources of inspiration.

Portuguese authorities are collaborating with law enforcement agencies in Austria,germany,and New Zealand to gather additional evidence and build a comprehensive understanding of the alleged connections between Sellner and Tarrant. The investigation is also examining Sellner’s online activity, including his presence on platforms like Facebook and YouTube, where he has frequently espoused anti-immigration and anti-Islam views.

The Identitarian movement, to which Sellner belongs, advocates for the preservation of European cultural identity and opposes immigration. The movement has been linked to several extremist groups and individuals across Europe, and its ideology has been criticized for promoting xenophobia and racism. Germany’s domestic intelligence agency,the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz),has classified Sellner as a “leading figure” in the far-right extremist scene.

The investigation in Portugal is proceeding under strict secrecy, and no arrests have been made to date. Authorities have indicated that the inquiry could take several months to complete,as they continue to analyze financial records,communications data,and othre relevant evidence. The case highlights the growing concern over the transnational nature of far-right extremism and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating the spread of extremist ideologies online.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Porto has confirmed that the investigation is focused on determining whether Sellner provided any material support or encouragement to tarrant,and whether his actions constitute a criminal offense under portuguese law. The potential charges could include financing of terrorism or incitement to violence.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details becomes available.