New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Arden has vowed to tighten anti-terrorism laws starting this month.
The move comes after a stabbing attack on seven people at a Linmol supermarket in Auckland by a man who was being watched by the country’s security forces.
“I promise we will complete the work as soon as Parliament resumes – that is, we will pass the law as soon as possible and not wait until the end of this month,” Ardern told a news conference.
The country’s anti-terrorism bill has been accused of plotting and preparing to lead to a terrorist attack and allowing the conspirators to remain free.
The extremist assailant was shot dead by police in the aftermath of the incident.
Many have accused him of being arrested and released by the New Zealand security forces on several occasions since 2016, as well as why he would not have been deported if they had known his threat despite being under surveillance.
The 32-year-old Sri Lankan assailant, who was jailed for about three years before being released last July, was shot dead by police shortly after he began his shooting on Friday.
The man was identified as a lone wolf, inspired by the Islamic State militant group.
He was constantly monitored, but could not be further imprisoned by law, Ardern said.