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.

Also, the foreign ministry spokesman of Pakistan Mohammad Faisal reacted to the incident on social media.

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.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack as “the latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia.”

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,”

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.”

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!”

French President Emmanuel Macron said, “France stands against all forms of extremism and acts with its partners against terrorism in the world.”

Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom tweeted that she was “shocked by the attack in Christchurch,” saying “we condemn terrorism in all forms.”

Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen also said “extremism has again shown its ugly face.”

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.”