New Zealand mosque attacker 'complains about prison treatment'

Australian white supremacist has no TV, radio or newspapers in his jail cell and no approved visitors

The Australian white supremacist, accused of shooting dead 50 people in two New Zealand's mosques, has made a formal complaint about his treatment in prison, the Independent reported on Sunday.

Brenton Tarrant, 28-year-old, is being held in isolation at the maximum security Auckland Prison in Paremoremo following the terror attacks in Christchurch two weeks ago.

The department of corrections confirmed to media in New Zealand that Tarrant has no TV, radio or newspapers and no approved visitors.

It refused to comment on details of the mosque attacker’s claims but it was reported that the Christchurch gunman had complained about lack of access to phone calls and visitors. However, a local New Zealand website Stuff reported that Tarrant had indeed filed a complaint regarding lack of access to phone calls and visitors.



“He’s under constant observation and isolation,” said the source. “He doesn’t get the usual minimum entitlements. So no phone calls and no visits.”

Tarrant has his own yard – which is the same size as his cell – and is allowed to use it for one hour every day, the Independent said while citing a source.

Under the law inmates have a “minimum entitlement” to three meals a day, drink, exercise and sufficient bedding for “warmth, health and reasonable comfort”.



“He is being managed in accordance with the provisions set out in the Corrections Act 2004 and our international obligations for the treatment of prisoners,” said a department spokesperson.

“For operational security reasons no further information will be provided."

This story originally appeared in the Independent