Summary
The man accused of the New Zealand mosque attacks smirked as his lawyer entered not guilty pleas to terrorism, murder and attempted murder charges Friday before a judge who set his trial for next May.
The courtroom was filled with 80 survivors and family members of the 51 who were slain, while about another 60 watched the hearing on video in an overflow room at the Christchurch High Court.
When Judge Cameron Mander asked if he could hear and see what was going on in the courtroom, Tarrant nodded.
Tarrant has been charged with 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one terrorism charge in relation to the March 15 shootings.
Mander said the findings of two mental-health assessments showed Tarrant had no issues related to his ability to enter pleas and stand trial.
The judge scheduled a six-week trial to begin May 4 .
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