Why Kelvyn Alp and Hannah Spierer Stand Trial for Truth
On March 15, 2019, New Zealand is said to have endured one of its darkest moments when a ‘white supremacist’ [Brenton Tarrant] attacked two mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers, killing 51 people and injuring around 40 more. The gunman is said to have livestreamed the massacre on Facebook. Within a very short time, the government deemed the footage “objectionable” under the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act, prompting aggressive censorship.
But censorship didn’t end with the video. On February 22, 2022, Counterspin Media - founded by Kelvyn Alp and Hannah Spierer - allegedly shared a link to a UK-hosted investigative documentary website featuring parts of a film entitled ‘The Three Faced Terrorist’ by Michael O’Bernicia. On the very next day, the Chief Censor retroactively banned the link and content. Both Alp and Spierer were charged with distribution of objectionable material, despite only sharing a link - not producing or directly distributing the film. Alp faces two counts, Spierer one, each carrying up to 14 years in prison and $200,000 in fines. There are additional charges for refusing state searches and biometric data demands.
Targeted for Refusing to Break
From the start, the prosecution of Alp and Spierer appears deeply politicized. It sends a message that questioning official narratives is grounds for punishment. During their initial court hearing in August 2022, both refused to enter the dock, instead standing as “non-resident settlors,” rejecting the legitimacy of a system they view as compromised.
Outside court, their statements highlighted their mission: “This is a political attack … You as Kiwis deserve to know the truth about whatever you want to know the truth about.”
Supporters rallied behind them, viewing Alp and Spierer as defenders of free inquiry in a media environment that largely parrots government talking points.
The Right to Scrutinize the Livestream
The Christchurch footage is among the most heavily censored content in modern memory - promptly removed by global platforms and entirely blocked in New Zealand.
Yet censorship doesn’t negate questions. Independent analysts have identified serious inconsistencies in the video - discrepancies that warrant public scrutiny. If the footage is authentic, why deny access? If flawed, why hide it? A sane, democratic solution would involve restricted, paywalled access for adults - honouring any victims while preserving public oversight.
Counterspin Media: The Lone Outlet That Didn’t Abandon Truth
Where other media capitulated - shunning sensitive topics, echoing authorities, or dismissing dissent - Counterspin Media continued to highlight issues, question narratives, and stay evidence-focused. They've been vindicated in many of their claims. In doing so, they asserted journalism’s core responsibility: to pursue facts and serve the public, not state agendas.
Standing Firm
Despite intense pressure, Spierer and Alp remain unbroken. Their case isn’t just about two individuals, but about whether New Zealand remains a country where citizens can question power - or one where censorship protects it.
At stake is nothing less than the survival of truth and a genuinely free fourth estate.
"The Public's Right to Know:
Why Kelvyn Alp and Hannah Spierer Stand Trial for Truth
Governments and tech giants, are building a Ministry of Truth.
The Christchurch Call is the blueprint, and this case is the test.
Will You Stand By?”
Hear from Kelvyn Alp & Hannah Spierer directly. Get exclusive reports and Q&A access.