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An 18-year-old Dunedin man charged in connection with an online bomb threat targeting a Wellington mosque has appeared in the Dunedin District Court today.
The teen, who was granted interim name suppression, pleaded guilty to one charge of causing harm by posting digital communication in relation to a threat madelast month against the Kilbirnie Masjid in Wellington.
His lawyer, John Westgate, said the teen intended to apply for a discharge without conviction before his next appearance in March.
At the time, police thanked members of the public who helped with the investigation.
“Police would like to thank those who contacted police with information regarding the threat, which allowed us to quickly identify and locate the alleged offender.”
The mosque temporarily suspended all activities while the threat was investigated.
Inspector Renee Perkins, acting Wellington District Commander, said police responded immediately to the report on October 23.
Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) advocacy chairman Abdur Razzaq said the Kilbirnie mosque had received previous threats.
The teen appeared in the Dunedin District Court this morning. Photo / George Heard
“This type of threat has happened before. In each case, the police has taken them very seriously.”
After the arrest, Razzaq thanked police for their swift response.
“We thank the police team for the excellent work to bring this sad saga to a close within such a short time ... As a consequence of this arrest, the normal activities of the Wellington Islamic Centre [Kilbirnie Masjid] shall resume.”
Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.
