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Law expert: Terrorism charge could give accused gunman a platform

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Tue, 21 May 2019, 5:51pm
The accused gunman could use his new charges to promote his views, one law professor says. (Photo / NZ Herald)
The accused gunman could use his new charges to promote his views, one law professor says. (Photo / NZ Herald)

Law expert: Terrorism charge could give accused gunman a platform

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Tue, 21 May 2019, 5:51pm

There are concerns about charging the alleged Mosque shooter with terrorism.

Police have announced terror charges have now been laid, under the Terrorism Suppression Act.

Auckland University Law Professor Bill Hodge says it will make people feel good.

However, he told Heather du Plessis-Allan he thinks it will give the alleged shooter a platform. 

"He will say 'I'm not a terrorist, I'm a patriot. Don't give me a conviction, give me a medal, I'm here to help the civilian population not terrorise them' and so on." 

Hodge says the charge can only lead to a life sentence, but you can't add two life sentences together.

 

 

 

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