New Zealand to criminalize terror attack planning after mall stabbing

Why it matters: Among the changes the Counter Terror Legislation Bill would implement would be the criminalizing of the planning and preparation of a potential terrorist attack, addressing a loophole critics said allowed suspects to remain free — including the LynnMall supermarket attacker.

• Ardern said he was being constantly monitored because he couldn't legally be imprisoned and, consequently, nearby police responded quickly when the attack happened.

The big picture: The attacker came to security services' attention in 2016. Prosecutors wanted to charge him under terrorism laws for planning an attack last year, but a judge ruled this wasn't covered by existing legislation.

• His name, the fact he was a refugee and that officials were trying to have this status revoked could not be previously reported due to a court suppression order, which was lifted Saturday night.
• He spent three years in prison after being charged with offenses including possessing hunting knives and objectionable publications. He was released from prison two months ago.

What they're saying: Officials had been trying since 2018 to deport him back to Sri Lanka after learning that his refugee status "was fraudulently obtained," and sought to detain him ahead of a hearing later this year, Ardern said in a statement Sunday.

• "It was incredibly disappointing and frustrating when legal advice came back to say this wasn't an option," she added.