It’s been over four years since 51 people were massacred in the Christchurch mosque shootings, but the pursuit of truth continues for the families of those who died.
A coronial inquest begins tomorrow to answer some of the questions that remain about the violent attacks that happened at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in 2019.
Over 600 people, families of victims, survivors, and witnesses on the day will attend the hearing in person. A further 100 have registered to watch the hearing online.
Aya Al-Umari’s big brother, Hussein, was killed in the atrocities of March 15. On the eve of the inquiry, she told 1News she was hopeful about the process.
"Hopefully it will reveal the truth behind what happened that day," she says.
The more she learns about Hussein’s final moments, the more she wants to know.
Al-Umari said: “At the outset, I was under the impression that Hussein died immediately, but throughout this process it raised questions. Did he die immediately or could he have been assisted quicker?”
She's not alone in her fear, and over the coming months. survivability is one of 13 issues that coroner Brigitte Windley will examine and hear evidence on.
This inquiry is unique as it comes after the criminal prosecution of the convicted terrorist and mass murderer, and also follows the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the attack.
However, because there was no trial due to guilty pleas and the Royal Commission was held behind closed doors many feel excluded from seeing all of the evidence and also feel crucial questions remain unanswered.
The evidence includes nearly 5000 images, 3000 audio files and over 80 hours of video that have all been analysed forensically.
Imam Gamal Fouda witnessed the bloodshed at Al Noor that fateful day. He’s determined to attend the inquest in person, even though he knows it will be re-traumatising.
“I hope this will never happen to anyone again and we can learn the lessons," he said.
"Everything happened in front of me, and if every family lost one or two people, I have lost 51 people in front of me”.
Aya Al-Umari knows the inquest won’t be easy to sit through, but told 1News: “It’s not just my burden to carry, it’s a collective responsibility. I owe it to Hussein my brother, we as a society owe it to each and every person who was impacted that day”.
She said: "I think it will provide perhaps a step closer to healing in knowing the full truth".
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