“The Court Of Appeal’s decision to decline the terrorist’s appeal is most welcome, however this will not be the last time he will use the NZ legal system “. He is following a well-known pattern used by other convicted right-wing terrorists to exploit legal systems in order to regain publicity, amplify their ideology and inspire online supporters,” said Abdur Razzaq, Chairperson of FIANZ Advocacy.

“ The Oslo terrorist responsible for the terror attacks which killed 77 people systematically exploited the Norwegian and European legal systems through repeated court actions following his 2012 conviction.” He set a pattern that others such terrorists are following. There is the forthcoming coronial inquiry where he will no doubt seek further publicity.” We shall be requesting the Coroner to again review the decision to allow him to be part of the process. Whilst we know that the coroner has a legal right, but we question the value and wisdom when there is ample evidence that the information the terrorist provides can not be trusted.”, said Abdur Razzaq. “ The person who deliberately planned and killed 51 innocent persons and confessed his guilt, is going to be relied upon by a Coroner . We find this unsettling. We trust the coroner will reconsider in light of the Court of Appeal decision, where the information the terrorist provided to support his claim was found to be utterly devoid of merit.”

“New Zealand’s legal system operates on principles of transparency, due process, and access to justice. The terrorist is using those protections to re-enter the public arena, garner repeated media reporting, and ensure continued visibility. This is almost identical method used by the Oslo terrorist”.

The coroner needs to be aware that the March 15 terrorist is still inspiring others. It is no coincidence that there has been a long list of copycat terrorism, including the Chabad of Poway Synagogue attack by John Earnest; the El Paso attack by Patrick Crusius; the Halle attack by Stephan Balliet, among other plots. The latest was a teenage far-right supporter in Singapore who wanted to conduct a terrorist-style attack on Muslims at a mosque. Fortunately, he was detained in time by the Singapore authorities. These are precisely the online audience that the right wing convicted terrorists deliberately seek to recruit through their media notoriety. We trust that the coroner will reconsider about the participation of the terrorist in the next phase of the Coronial Inquiry,” said Abdur Razzaq.

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