Government of New Zealand begins to restore to families the remains of 50 people who died during the Christchurch attack

The New Zealand authorities will begin Sunday to return to families the remains of the fifty dead during the attack on Christchurch, announced the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.

Parents and representatives of the Muslim community ask Saturday to the commission to accelerate the funeral, in accordance with the worship of their religion, within a period of about 24 hours for the burial of the deceased.

"The bodies will begin to be returned at the end of the afternoon. It will be a small number. We hope that all the remains were returned on WednesdayArdern told reporters in Wellington after meeting with the Muslim community in the capital.

Both the Government and the New Zealand Police have expressed their understanding and interest in fulfilling this request, but have asked for patience for forensic pathologists to complete the cadaver identification.

The chief of the scientific police, Deborah Marshall, added shortly after the identification of the victims had started this morning and she hoped that the first remains would be delivered to the families at the end of the day.

The coroner stated that she was aware of the "cultural problems" regarding the treatment of the deceased and that her team was working "as quickly as possible" according to international standards.

"There is nothing worse than giving the wrong body to loved ones, which happens when we are in a hurryMarshall said at a press conference.

On the main suspect and only one accused for the moment, the Australian Brenton TarrantArdern, 28, said he was in a maximum security cell waiting to appear again before the judge on April 5.

The prime minister said she had sought advice on a possible repatriation of Tarrant, accused of murder, but that the prosecution and the trial would both be held in New Zealand. "He will face justice in New Zealand for the terrorist attack he's committed here", clarified Ardern.

The New Zealand government plans to meet tomorrow, Monday, to receive a preliminary report on the attack and address preliminary policy discussions, including the reform of the law governing the possession of weapons. .

Ardern also confirmed that nine minutes before the first of the two mosques, his office had received an e-mail manifesto in which Tarrant justified his action and which had also been sent to 30 other recipients, including politicians, means of communication.

According to the president, the mail was delivered to security officers two minutes after receiving it, but "does not include the location or specific information" about the attack.

The Prime Minister also said that on Monday, the first working day of the week, the police presence in Christchurch will be strengthened and that it will remain in the country's mosques throughout the celebration of prayers.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush added shortly after Monday, a "strong police presence" in schools, shops and entertainment throughout New Zealand "so that everyone feel safe in his business, what to do ".

Bush also defended the speed of response to the police attack. According to him, six minutes after the first warning, officers were in the area, his crew deployed in ten minutes and, at 36, he had the main force. suspect in detention.