Condemnations pour in for New Zealand mosque attacks

ANKARA (AA) - Global condemnations have poured in following Friday’s terrorist attack on two mosques in New Zealand, which New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described as "one of the darkest days".

New Zealand police said at least 49 people had been killed in mass shootings at the mosques in the Christchurch area. Three suspects have been detained so far.

Gunmen, who streamed the incident live for 17 minutes on social media, fired multiple shots during Friday prayers at the Al-Noor and Linwood Mosques. The footage has since been removed from social-media platforms.

Expressing solidarity with the victims, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the incident as the “latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia”.

"I strongly condemn the terror attack against the Al-Noor Mosque in New Zealand and Muslim worshippers," Erdogan tweeted.

Confirming that at least one gunman involved in the attack was Australian-born, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his country stood in solidarity with New Zealand in the wake of the attack.

“We stand here and condemn absolutely the attack that occurred today by an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist,” Morrison told reporters.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added his voice of sympathy to that of other world leaders.

“Canadians across the country were appalled to wake up to news of the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, that killed and injured so many people, including children,” Trudeau said in a statement.

- 'US stands by New Zealand'

The United States offered sympathy to the people of New Zealand.

"My warmest sympathy and best wishes go 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!" President Donald Trump said on Twitter.

The White House issued a separate statement condemning the attack and calling it a "vicious act of hate".

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the attack as well and said the American people's thoughts and prayers are with New Zealand.

"We pledge our unwavering solidarity with the government and people of New Zealand in this hour of darkness," Pompeo said at a news briefing Friday.

National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Twitter the country's "deepest condolences and prayers are with victims, family members and loved ones affected by the heinous act of terror against worshippers."

- 'Black tragedy'

Wahidullah Waissi, Afghanistan’s ambassador to New Zealand, Australia and Fiji, meanwhile, confirmed that at least one man of Afghan origin had been shot by the gunmen.

“I am receiving terrible news out of Christchurch mosques’ shootings. My thoughts are with the family of an Afghan origin [individual] who’s been shot and killed at this heinous incident and with three other Afghans who are injured,” Waissi tweeted.

Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's prime minister-in-waiting, described the attack as a “black tragedy facing humanity and universal peace”, going on to note that at least one Malaysian national had been hurt in the attack.

Russia was also quick to express its condemnation of the incident.

"We are shocked by this terrible atrocity and, on behalf of the [Russian] Foreign Ministry, express our deep sorrow and support for New Zealand," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters in the capital Moscow.

Jakarta likewise expressed its outrage over the incident, announcing that at least six of its nationals had been at the Al Noor Mosque at the time.

“The fact that there were shootings in mosques during prayer is something that we should condemn,” Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said at a press conference.

- Serbia distances from attacker

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic condemned the attack and distanced the country from the attacker.

"Serbia has nothing to do with it. We condemn this type of abuse, which is detrimental to Serbian interests.”

Footage of the attack showed the attacker was inspired by Serbian nationalists.

- 'Terror knows no religion'

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the deadly attack, saying: "Terrorism knows no religion".

“I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 where Islam and 1.3 billion Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror by a Muslim,” Khan tweeted.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed "deep shock" at the incident.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condemned the shooting and extended her condolences to the government and people of New Zealand.

“We are deeply shocked to learn the shooting incidents at two mosques in Christchurch of New Zealand. We strongly condemn this dastardly act of terrorism,” she said, in a message to the New Zealand prime minster soon after the attacks, reported state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

- Arab world

Qatar, also condemned “the terrorist and brutal attack” in New Zealand.

In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry offered its condolences to families of the victims, and to the government and people of New Zealand.

“We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on two mosques in New Zealand," Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani tweeted.

Egypt’s Al-Azhar, meanwhile, the highest seat of religious scholarship in the Sunni-Muslim world, described the attack as “a dangerous indicator of the rise of hate speech and Islamophobia”.

Jordan, for its part, expressed similar outrage, with Jordanian government spokeswoman Jumana Ghneimat stressing her country’s total rejection of terrorism.

Morocco's Islamic, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, meanwhile, described Friday’s carnage as "a heinous act of terrorism and a crime against humanity, indicating the emergence extremist racist groups that hate Islam".

- European Countries

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for her part, said her country "stands shoulder-to-shoulder against such terror acts".

"I mourn with the New Zealanders for their fellow citizens, who were peacefully praying when attacked in their mosques and murdered out of racist hatred," Merkel said in a statement.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday also expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the “horrifying terrorist attack”.

“On behalf of the U.K., my deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand after the horrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch,” May wrote on Twitter.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt wrote on Twitter: “Our hearts go out to the people of New Zealand following the news of this terrible act in Christchurch.

"NZ is one of the most peaceful, peace-loving and generous nations in the world," Hunt said.

British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn expressed solidarity with Muslim community in Christchurch and around the world after the terror attack.

“My heart goes out to the victims of the horrific terror attack in New Zealand,” he said on Twitter.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the incident as “heartbreaking” and said, "innocent people have been murdered because of their faith."

“London stands with the people of Christchurch in the face of this horrific terror attack,” Khan said.

- UN, EU, NATO

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres "is shocked and appalled at the terrorist attack," his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

"The Secretary General recalls the sanctity of mosques and all places of worship. He calls upon all people on this holy day for Muslims to show signs of solidarity with the bereaved Islamic community," Dujarric said. "The Secretary-General reiterates the urgency of working better together globally to counter Islamophobia and eliminate intolerance and violent extremism in all its forms."

The UN Security Council further released a separate statement, reaffirming "that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security."

"The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of the New Zealand and all other relevant authorities in this regard," the statement read.

The European Union and NATO likewised extended Friday condolences over the loss of lives in terror attacks on mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“We stand in full solidarity with the people and authorities of NewZealand at this extremely difficult time and stand ready to support in any way, including by strengthening our cooperation on counter-terrorism,” the EU High Representative for Foreign Relations and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said in a statement.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s secretary general, also condemned the “horrific terrorist attack” against mosques in Christchurch.

“My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones or been injured. NATO stands with our friend & partner New Zealand in defense of our open societies and shared values,” Stoltenberg said in a Twitter post.

Following the attack, European Council President Donald Tusk also expressed solidarity with New Zealand, saying: “The brutal attack in Christchurch will never diminish the tolerance and decency that New Zealand is famous for.”

Antonio Tajani, the president of the European Parliament, wrote on Twitter: “Images of terrorist attack in New Zealand leave one speechless. Racist hatred and folly have struck innocent victims murdered for worshipping in mosques. Solidarity with loved ones and prayers for all victims.”

The head of the UN Human Rights Council likewise has called Friday’s attacks on two mosques in New Zealand that left at least 49 people dead as “racist, Islamophobic, and terrorist”.

“Racism is contrary to everything we stand for,” Michelle Bachelet told the Human Rights Council, meeting in Geneva on Friday.

Amnesty International also stated that Friday’s attacks on two mosques in New Zealand that left at least 49 people dead are a devastating reminder of the consequences of letting hatred and demonization go unchecked.

“This is one of the darkest days in New Zealand’s history. The attackers who unleashed their deadly hatred and racism upon women, men, and children as they took part in Friday prayers have thrown us all into shock and grief,” Kumi Naidoo, the rights group’s secretary general, said in a written statement Friday.

Istanbul's Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate also condemned Friday's mosque attack in New Zealand.

Patriarch Bartholomew and the members of the Holy and Sacred Synod, during a meeting, "expressed their shock and dismay over the murderous attacks made against the people present at two mosques located in Christchurch, New Zealand," according to a statement.