NEW YORK – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged theinternational community to ‘stand united against anti-Muslim hatred’following a mass shooting in New Zealand on Friday targeting two Mosques,which has left at least 49 dead and many others wounded, some critically.
“I’m saddened and strongly condemn the shooting of innocent people as theyprayed peacefully in mosques in New Zealand”, tweeted the UN chief,expressing his “deepest condolences to the victims’ families”.
“Today and every day, we must stand united against anti-Muslim hatred, andall forms of bigotry and terror”, he stressed.
In a statement issued later Friday, the UN’s Spokesperson said Guterres wasshocked and appalled by the terrorist attack, recalling the “sanctity ofMosques, and all places of worship. He calls upon all people on this holyday for Muslims, to show signs of solidarity with the bereaved Islamiccommunity.”
A gunman, who police have described as being in his late 20s, has beenarrested and charged with murder. According to news reports, helive-streamed himself via a head-mounted camera online, firing atworshippers inside the Al Noor Mosque in the largest city on the SouthIsland of New Zealand, Christchurch. A second attack also took place at thecity’s Linwood Mosque.
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According to news reports, police have asked the public not to share the“extremely distressing” footage posted by the gunman online. Meanwhile,Facebook has reportedly taken down the gunman’s Facebook and Instagramaccounts, which reportedly contained racist and anti-immigrant views.
“The Secretary-General reiterates the urgency of working better togetherglobally to counter Islamophobia and eliminate intolerance and violentextremism in all its forms,” his Spokesperson added. Two other men and onewoman were also reportedly detained in connection with the terror attacks,although one was subsequently released.
