A New Zealand appeals court has rejected an attempt by Brenton Tarrant to withdraw his guilty pleas for the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings that killed 51 people.

The court ruled against Tarrant's bid to overturn his conviction, with judges describing his appeal as lacking merit. Tarrant had pleaded guilty to 51 charges of murder, 40 charges of attempted murder, and one charge of terrorism in connection with the attacks.

The mass shooting occurred on March 15, 2019, when Tarrant opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers. The attack was livestreamed on social media and represented one of the deadliest mass shootings in New Zealand's history.

Tarrant was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole in August 2020, making him the first person in New Zealand to receive such a sentence. The court proceedings marked a significant moment in the country's legal system, as terrorism charges were rarely used in New Zealand prior to this case.

The appeals court's decision means Tarrant's conviction and life sentence remain in place. The ruling brings closure to a legal process that has been closely watched both domestically and internationally since the attacks shocked New Zealand and the global community.