The NZ government has confirmed that the alleged gunman in the mosque attacks has been exchanging letters with white supremacists from his maximum security jail cell at Paremoremo prison.
He sent a letter to a supporter in early July and experts say it can be read as a “call to arms” for white supremacists worldwide. The letter was posted to the anonymous message board 4chan, which has become notorious as a place for white supremacists to post their views.
It is legal for prisoners in NZ to send and receive mail, which may only be intercepted by authorities in limited circumstances, but ministers have said his letter should never have been allowed out.
“We have never had to manage a prisoner like this before – and I have asked questions around whether our laws are now fit for purpose and asked for advice on what changes we may now need to make,” the corrections minister said in a statement. “I do not believe that corrections should have allowed this letter to be sent and have sought assurances from them that there will be an enhanced process from now on.”
The general secretary of the Linwood mosque said the community were “horrified” about the letter. “It’s truly frightening, and frankly, we’re shocked. It’s unbelievable. Shouldn’t he be subject to special circumstances in prison?”
“Again this shows the laws in New Zealand are lagging behind. I am really worried about the repercussions of this. He could be forming other groups, or inspiring other attacks. People are feeling very worried, and truly scared.”
The opposition party’s corrections spokesperson said the corrections minister owed the victims of the mosque shootings “an immediate apology”.
“The rights of the victims in this case and respect for them should be put above everything else. This man is accused of carrying out one of the most heinous crimes in New Zealand history. New Zealanders will be horrified that corrections allowed him to send a letter which includes a call to action and has subsequently been posted online.”
A spokesperson for the corrections department said it had subsequently changed its handling of Tarrant’s mail. “On review, we acknowledge that this letter should have been withheld. We have made changes to the management of this prisoner’s mail to ensure that our robust processes are as effective as we need them to be,” the spokesperson said.
Christchurch attack suspect sent 'call to arms' letter from cell
