Two lawyers appointed to represent the Christchurch mosque attacker in his appeal have been granted permanent name suppression to protect their identities due to safety concerns.
Brenton Tarrant, who carried out the tragic attack in Christchurch in 2019, had pleaded guilty in March 2020 to 51 counts of murder, 40 of attempted murder, and one of engaging in a terrorist act. However, in November 2022, he filed an appeal against his conviction and sentencing.
The legal team assigned to Tarrant’s appeal requested a permanent suppression order on their names and identifying details, citing significant personal safety concerns due to the nature of their client’s crimes.
One of the lawyers, identified as “Lawyer A,” highlighted their extensive experience in handling high-profile cases and noted that while they had previously received occasional abusive messages, they believed this case was uniquely intense. Given the public sentiment surrounding Tarrant’s actions, they feared for their own safety and that of their family members, particularly their children.
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The second lawyer, “Lawyer B,” also shared similar apprehensions, expressing concerns about potential threats to both themselves and their spouse and children.
The court recognized that, due to the nature of the internet and social media, both lawyers were at risk of harassment and threats from people “hiding behind the relative anonymity that social media platforms provide.” The court acknowledged that threats could come from individuals with opposing views, whether they opposed or supported Tarrant’s actions.
Given Tarrant’s status as New Zealand’s most infamous mass murderer and a convicted terrorist, the court ruled that the lawyers would likely face extreme abuse, leading to significant personal hardship. Consequently, the court granted the application for permanent name suppression to protect their identities and ensure their safety.