World leaders expressed condolences and condemnation following the deadly attacks on mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, while Muslim leaders said the mass shooting was evidence of a rising tide of violent anti-Islam sentiment.
US President Donald Trump sent his “warmest sympathy and best wishes” to New Zealand, offering America’s help.
Former US president Barack Obama went further than Mr Trump by condemning the attack and “hatred in all its forms”.
Queen Elizabeth II, who is New Zealand’s head of state, said in a message to the country she was “deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch” and sent condolences to families and friends of victims.
“Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives,” she said.
The queen also paid tribute to emergency services and volunteers supporting the injured. “At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders,” she said in her message.
Princes William and Harry and their wives Catherine and Meghan also released a joint statement.
“We have all been fortunate to spend time in Christchurch and have felt the warm, open-hearted and generous spirit that is core to its remarkable people,” they said. “No person should ever have to fear attending a sacred place of worship.
“This senseless attack is an affront to the people of Christchurch and New Zealand, and the broader Muslim community. It is a horrifying assault on a way of life that embodies decency, community, and friendship,” they said. “We know that from this devastation and deep mourning, the people of New Zealand will unite to show that such evil can never defeat compassion and tolerance.
“We send our thoughts and prayers to everyone in New Zealand today. Kia Kaha.”
A telegram of condolences sent by the Vatican on behalf of Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the injury and loss of life” caused by the “senseless acts of violence” in Christchurch. He assured all New Zealanders, and in particular the Muslim community, of his “heartfelt solidarity.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the attacks the “latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia.”
Speaking at the funeral of a former minister, Erdogan said the anti-Islam hatred that motivated the attacks “has rapidly started to take over Western communities like a cancer.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan echoed Erdogan.
“I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 where Islam & 1.3bn Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror by a Muslim,” he wrote in a tweet.
The secretary-general of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, Youssef al-Othaimeen, said in a statement that the attack “served as a further warning on the obvious dangers of hate, intolerance, and Islamophobia.”
UK Prime Minister Theresa May shared her “deepest condolences in a tweet.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, said the city’s Metropolitan Police force would be visible outside mosques.
“London stands with the people of Christchurch in the face of this horrific terror attack,” he said. “London will always celebrate the diversity that some seek to destroy.” London mosques have been targeted in the past. One man died and several others were injured in 2017 when Darren Osborne drove a van into people leaving evening prayers. Prosecutors say Osborne was motivated by a hatred of Muslims and far- right propaganda he found online.
French president Emmanuel Macron condemned the”odious crimes against the mosques in New Zealand”.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his thoughts were with the victims, families and government of New Zealand after an attack by “fanatics and extremists who want to destroy our societies.”
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker tweeted that he learned of the attack “with horror and profound sadness.” “The European Union will always stand with (hash) New Zealand and against those who heinously want to destroy our societies and our way of life,” he wrote.
Via News.au
