Together with other New Zealanders, today the Royal
Commission learned that the man accused of the Christchurch
mosque attacks has pleaded guilty to 51 charges of murder,
40 charges of attempted murder and a charge of engaging in a
terrorist act, and has been convicted of those
offences.
The Terms
of Reference are clear; the Royal Commission cannot
inquire into the guilt or innocence of any individual
charged in relation to the attack. That is not our
role.
For this reason, today’s developments do not
directly impact the Royal Commission’s inquiry process. It
is however, hugely significant for families and survivors
who will now be absorbing this news.
The current
Covid-19 Alert Level 4 restrictions that all New Zealanders
now face, are also having a significant impact on the
inquiry. Staff are committed to getting the job done and
continue to work from home, but there are some aspects of
our work that cannot be managed
remotely.
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