Gunman lodges jail complaint

THE AUSTRALIAN white supremacist accused of slaying 50 worshippers in two Christchurch mosques has lodged a complaint over prison conditions, New Zealand authorities say.

According to New Zealand media reports, 28-year-old Brenton Tarrant, originally from Grafton in NSW, has lodged a formal complaint about his rights in prison.

A Corrections source told the New Zealand news website Stuff that Tarrant was complaining he was being denied access to visitors and phone calls from his cell in an Auckland prison.

“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,” a Corrections spokesperson said in response to a query yesterday.

“At this time he has no access to television, radio or newspapers and no approved visitors,” the spokesperson added.

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

Tarrant was arrested on March 15 and charged with murder. He was remanded in custody until April 5 when his case is due to go to the High Court in Christchurch.