The man accused of murdering 50 people during the Christchurch terrorist attacks has reportedly lodged formal complaints regarding the way he has been treated in prison.
The suspected terrorist gunman, 28, is said to have complained to the Department of Corrections about his lack of access to the outside world, after reportedly not being permitted to the entitlements usually given to those in custody.
In accordance with the Corrections Act, prisoners in New Zealand are usually entitled to rights such as exercise, bedding, a legal adviser, and an appropriate diet. They are also normally given one private visitor per week, medical treatment and healthcare as well as access to telephone calls and mail.
However, these rights can be taken away in cases where the suspect is being kept in segregation or protective custody, or when it is impractical or in breach of health safety.
As reported by Stuff NZ, the terror suspect has complained after being denied visitors and telephone calls.
A corrections source told Stuff NZ:
He’s under constant observation and isolation. He doesn’t get the usual minimum entitlements. So no phone calls and no visits.
Describing the suspected terrorist as ‘unlike anyone else we’ve got’, the source added how he remained compliant on a day-to-day basis.
The source also spoke of concerns among corrections staff regarding the alleged killer’s security classification in the long term.
The source warned that if the suspected gunman is found guilty and given a lengthy prison sentence, his security classification could drop on account of good behaviour, and ‘there is nothing we can do about it, that’s our system’.
Associate professor at Auckland University’s law school, Dr Bill Hodge, informed Stuff NZ how the suspect may well have a valid complaint, stating:
The rule of law applies, even in prison… He deserves the protection of the statutes like any other prisoner.
Dr Hodge continued:
A prisoner who insists on all of his rights probably tells me that he thinks of himself now as a victim with some point to make against society,
He will feel justified in being litigious.
The suspect is currently being held at Auckland Prison at Paremoremo, a prison considered to among the toughest facilities in New Zealand.
A spokesperson has confirmed he has not been given access to TV, radio or newspapers and has no approved visitors
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.