The gunman accused of the Christchurch terror attack is facing 50 murder charges and 39 attempted murder charges.

Police have announced the fresh charges against Brenton Harrison Tarrant, who is due to appear in the High Court in Christchurch tomorrow.

They said other charges are still under consideration.

The 28-year-old first appeared in the District Court on March 16.

A day earlier, on March 15, 50 people were killed at the city's Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre.

Dozens more were wounded.

The High Court received 12 applications from both New Zealand media and foreign organisations to film, take photographs, or make audio recordings at Friday's hearing.

But Justice Cameron Mander declined the applications.

In a minute issued to the media this week, he said factors in making his decision to refuse the requests were to preserve the integrity of the trial process and ensure a fair trial.

Journalists will, however, be permitted to remain in the courtroom and take notes, while newspapers and broadcasters are still able to use images of the accused which were taken at the District Court hearing.

NZ Herald

BDST: 1150 HRS, APR 4, 2019
SI