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Man Who Chased Mosque Attacker Charged With Assault

Written by RNZ | Jul 16, 2024 5:49:41 AM

A man who received a bravery award for his actions during the Christchurch terror attack will go to trial on an assault charge next year.

Abdul Aziz Wahabzadah appeared at the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting with intent to injure, and opted for a judge-alone trial, which has been set for next March.

He intends to represent himself.

Aziz was awarded a New Zealand Cross for bravery in 2021.

During the mosque attack in 2019 he picked up a discarded gun, chased the terrorist and threw it at his departing car, smashing the back window.