Second man charged with sharing live stream of Christchurch massacre

Forensic experts collect evidence near one of the attacked mosques in Christchurch, on March 16, 2019. PHOTO: AFP

CHRISTCHURCH (AFP) - A 44-year-old man has become the second person charged with sharing a gruesome live-stream video of the deadly attack at a Christchurch mosque.

Philip Arps, 44, was arrested by New Zealand Police on Tuesday (March 19), four days after 28-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant allegedly went on a rampage at two mosques in the southern city, killing 50 people and injuring dozens more.

Arps was charged with two counts of distributing objectionable material under the Films Act, and was remanded in custody after appearing in Christchurch District Court.

He is due back in court on April 15.

A teenager appeared in court earlier this week on the same charge.

The live-stream video was shot by alleged gunman Tarrant, who is currently facing one charge of murder for the killings at Al Noor and Linwood mosques.

The funerals of the first victims started on Wednesday, with more expected to take place later on Wednesday and Thursday as officials release the victims' bodies to their families.

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