New Zealand Muslim Association president Ikhlaq Kashkari questioned Tarrant's motives, saying victims could be re-traumatised if the gunman were allowed to spout far-right rhetoric from the dock. "A lot of people are still going through trauma and this was seen as one of those events that would give them closure. 'He wants attention'In March 2019, Tarrant gunned down Muslim worshippers during Friday prayers at two Christchurch mosques, live-streaming the killings as he went. The former gym instructor unexpectedly reversed his not-guilty plea in March this year, removing the need for a lengthy trial. Survivors and the families of victims will be present during the three-day sentencing hearing and Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand spokeswoman Anjum Rahman said many would not want to hear from Tarrant.

Source: Dhaka Tribune July 13, 2020 03:56 UTC