Dozens charged in NZ over live-streamed Christchurch terror video

More than 30 people have been charged with possessing video of the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Flower tributes to victims in Christchurch on March 18, 2019, three days after the terror attack mass shooting at two mosques in the city. Picture: David Moir/AFP

Dozens of New Zealanders have been charged with possessing the live-streamed video of the Christchurch mosque terror attacks.

Radio New Zealand reports that 35 Kiwis have been charged by police for holding the now-banned footage of the March shooting.

The country’s Chief Censor classified the video as objectionable, meaning to knowingly possess it in New Zealand can attract a prison term of up to 14 years. An accompanying manifesto, purportedly written by alleged terrorist Brenton Tarrant — who is due to stand trial in May next year on 51 charges of murder — has also been classified as objectionable.

The information around the charges has been released under the Official Information Act.

As of August 21, the charges have seen 14 prosecutions, 10 Youth Court referrals and nine warnings.