Multiple murder and attempted murder charges have been laid against the man accused of the Christchurch attacks on two mosques.
Fifty people were killed and dozens more injured in the attacks on the Al Noor and Linwood mosques on March 15 this year.
Previously, the man had been charged with one count of murder after he appeared at the Christchurch District Court on March 16.
However, police confirmed late this afternoon that the man now faces 50 murder and 39 attempted murder charges.
He was to appear in the High Court at Christchurch via video link tomorrow.
Other charges were still being considered, police said.
As the case was before the court, police said they would not make any further comment.
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.
- ODT Online and NZ Herald
