A New Zealand appeals court has dismissed Brenton Tarrant’s attempt to abandon his guilty pleas for the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, affirming that his admissions were voluntary and rational.

Court Rejects Appeal

The decision guarantees the white supremacist will remain in prison for life without parole, preventing victims’ families from enduring a retrial. Brenton Tarrant, now 35, had contended that harsh prison conditions forced him to plead guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and one terrorism charge.

Voluntary and Rational Pleas

The Court of Appeal rejected his claims, stating his pleas were made voluntarily and that his arguments regarding mental health lacked credibility. The court’s decision, delivered on Thursday, followed a five-day hearing in February where Tarrant alleged his guilty pleas stemmed from irrationality due to poor mental health.

Inconsistent Claims and Evidence

Judges found his assertions inconsistent and unsupported by evidence from prison staff, mental health professionals, or his former lawyers. They concluded Tarrant made a rational and informed decision to plead guilty, despite attempts to mislead the court about his mental state. He also attempted to abandon his appeal shortly after the February hearing.

Background of the Attacks

Tarrant, an Australian national, carried out the attacks on March 15, 2019, targeting two mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers. He livestreamed the massacre, resulting in the deaths of 51 worshippers and injuries to dozens more. His guilty pleas in March 2020 provided some relief to survivors and bereaved families, who feared a trial would give him a platform to spread extremist views.

Sentence Remains Unchanged

Tarrant was sentenced to life in prison without parole in August 2020. The court noted he accepted the facts of the case as presented by police and the sentencing judge, describing the evidence against him as overwhelming. His appeal against the sentence, previously scheduled for 2026, has also been abandoned.