NZ shooter gets life in prison for 'wicked' crimes
A New Zealand court sentenced a man who killed 51 Muslim worshippers last year to life in prison without parole, on Thursday (August 27).
Tthe longest sentence ever handed down in the country.
29-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant admitted to 51 charges of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one charge of committing a terrorist act last year.
His rampage at two Christchurch mosques was the deadliest shooting in the country's history.
The High Court judge called Tarrant's crimes quote "so wicked that even if you are detained until you die it will not exhaust the requirements of punishment and denunciation."
Outside the court, Imam Gamal Fouda of Al Noor mosque -- where Tarrant targeted -- spoke highly of New Zealand's response against extremism.
"We are here today. We represent love, compassion, Muslim and non-Muslim people of faith and of no faith. That is us, New Zealanders, and we are very proud that we are Muslims in New Zealand."
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also said she was relieved to hear the decision: "Yes, it gave me relief to know that that person will never see the light of day."
Thursday's sentencing marks the end of four emotionally-charged days where family of victims delivered impact statements.
Tarrant looked directly at those speaking, but showed little emotion.
One of the heroes who confronted the gunman - a father of four named Abdul Aziz Wahabzadah -- told the court about his son's own bravery.
"My oldest son put my five years old boy in the car and put himself on him, make sure to cover him, if any bullets come, he would take it, not my five years old son.(flash) You should thank God on that day, I didn't catch you."
The country's foreign minister, Winston Peters, called for Tarrant to be deported to Australia to serve out his sentence.
