The perpetrator of the New Zealand Christchurch terror attack was bought before the families of victims on Monday. The perpetrator had killed 51 people at two Christchurch mosques during Friday Prayer on 15 March 2019.
Australian national Brenton Tarrant, 29, has pleaded guilty to 51 murders, 40 attempted murders and one charge of committing a terrorist attack. He had live-streamed the shooting rampage in the city of Christchurch on Facebook.
On Monday, it was for the first time, the New Zealand High Court deemed to sentence Tarrant for his crime. The families of the victims were given the chance to address the court hearing.
“Losing my son was feeling the pain of labour all over again”, said mother of Ata Elayyan, mother of a victim.
Maysoon Salama, another slain’s mother expressed her anguish when she saw Tarrant and voiced her pains what her son might be thinking in his last moments.
“I can’t forgive you … you gave yourself the authority to take the souls of 51 people. Our only crime in your eyes is that we are Muslims,” she said.
“You killed your own humanity and I don’t think the world will forgive you for your horrible crime. May you get the severest punishment for your evil act in this life, and hereafter.”
Gamal Fouda, imam of Al Noor mosque said, “I can say to the family of the terrorist that they have lost a son and we have lost many from our community too.” He also told Tarrant that he was “misguided and misled”.
Tarrant sat emotionless as the victims’ families addressed the sentencing hearing.