World leaders condemn bloodshed in Christchurch
The deadly attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand has left nearly 50 people martyred while several injured on Friday afternoon, sparking horror, revulsion and dismay across the world.
The fatal shootings of New Zealand mosques have been condemned by the leaders from around the world who have reacted on the unprecedented act of violence and innocent killing while expressing their solidarity with New Zealand.
Here is a summary of the main international reactions so far.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan said the attack as a deliberate attempt to demonize legitimate Muslims political struggle.
I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 where Islam & 1.3 bn Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror by a Muslim. This has been done deliberately to also demonize legitimate Muslim political struggles. https://t.co/5bBREoayLz
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2019
Also, the foreign ministry spokesman of Pakistan Mohammad Faisal reacted to the incident on social media.
#Pakistan condemns the tragic terrorist incident in #NewZealand. Our High Commission is in touch with the local authorities and trying to ascertain details. @MFATgovtNZ , #pakistanagainstterror
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 15, 2019
Afghanistan’s ambassador to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Wahidullah Waissi, said, “My thoughts are with the family of Afghan origin who was shot and killed in this heinous incident.”
I am receiving terrible news out of Christchurch mosques’ shootings. My thoughts are with the family of an Afghan origin who‘s been shot and killed at this heinous incident and with three other Afghans who are injured. Watching this closely as the situation is still unfolding.
— Wahidullah Waissi (@WahidWaissi) March 15, 2019
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack as “the latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia.”
On behalf of my country, I offer my condolences to the Islamic world and the people of New Zealand, who have been targeted by this deplorable act – the latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia.
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) March 15, 2019
The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai his Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum vowed against the hate crime. He tweeted:
“On a peaceful Friday, and in a mosque, a typical peaceful place of worship, we saw the most heinous of religious hate crimes where 49 worshippers were killed. Our condolences to New Zealand, and to the families of the victims, and to all Muslims in my name and on behalf of my country that is dedicating a full year for promoting tolerance in the world. We express our deepest sorrow and call upon the entire world to thoughtfully consider inculcating interfaith tolerance,”
We witnessed the most horrific hate crime that killed 49 worshippers on a blessed day. Our condolences to New Zealand, to the families of the victims and to Muslims across the world. On behalf of UAE that declared the Year of Tolerance, we call for a unified stand against hatred.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 15, 2019
British Prime Minister Theresa May offered her deepest condolences “after the horrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch. My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence.”
On behalf of the UK, my deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand after the horrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch. My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) March 15, 2019
US President Donald Trump expressed his best wishes and warmest sympathy in his tweet:
“My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!”
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1106520743855251456
French President Emmanuel Macron said, “France stands against all forms of extremism and acts with its partners against terrorism in the world.”
Toutes nos pensées pour les victimes des crimes odieux contre les mosquées de Christchurch en Nouvelle-Zélande et pour leurs proches. La France se dresse contre toute forme d’extrémisme et agit avec ses partenaires contre le terrorisme dans le monde.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 15, 2019
Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom tweeted that she was “shocked by the attack in Christchurch,” saying “we condemn terrorism in all forms.”
Shocked by attack in Christchurch, New Zealand. We condemn terrorism in all forms. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones.
— Margot Wallström (@margotwallstrom) March 15, 2019
Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen also said “extremism has again shown its ugly face.”
Thoughts go out to New Zealand and #Christchurch. We must continue to fight extremism and violence no matter the shape it comes in.
— Anders Samuelsen (@anderssamuelsen) March 15, 2019
Deeply saddened by the growing number of casualties in the extremist, right-wing terrorist attack in #Christchurch. My condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of New Zealand. #dkpol
— Anders Samuelsen (@anderssamuelsen) March 15, 2019
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said “with New Zealanders for their fellow citizens who were attacked and murdered out of racist hatred while peacefully praying in their mosques. We stand together against such acts of terrorism.”
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wrote on his Twitter handle: “When Lucy and I went with John and Bronagh Key to the Bataclan [Theatre] in 2015 we could not imagine a terrorist attack in Christchurch. Today our love, prayers and solidarity are with the people of New Zealand whose compassion, humanity and diversity will triumph over this hateful crime.”
As we condemn this shocking crime against moslems in Christchurch so must we condemn the hate filled Islamophobic ideology which inspires it.
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) March 15, 2019
