New Zealand royal commission report into Christchurch attacks calls for stronger counterterrorism laws

New Zealand’s Government is promising a raft of legislative changes in response to the findings of the country’s royal commission into the Christchurch mosque attacks, which have just been released.

In March 2019 an Australian gunman opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, killing 51 people and wounding another 40.

The changes recommended by the report include new legislation to criminalise planning or preparing a terrorist attack, and the strengthening of laws around hate speech.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern apologised for failings in the run-up to the attack and said there would be accountability.

More to come.