New Zealand, a commando opens fire in two mosques. Dozens killed
Rights — di Andrea Barolini
A group of terrorists, probably composed of right-wing extremists, stormed two mosques in New Zealand. Muslim worshippers massacred.
New Zealand, a commando opens fire in two mosques. Dozens killed
A group of terrorists, probably composed of right-wing extremists, stormed two mosques in New Zealand. Muslim worshippers massacred.
At least 49 people were killed and around twenty seriously injured in a dramatic attack on two mosques in New Zealand. The attack took place at 1:40 pm local time (1:40 am in Italy) on Friday 15 March, in the city of Christchurch, while Muslim worshippers were praying. The three main suspects – one of whom is Australian – are far-right militants: they were arrested and questioned by police, according to reports from international media.
Bangladesh's cricket national team was also in one of the two mosques
"It is clear that this is a terrorist attack. From the information we have, this appears to have been a planned act", said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Law enforcement authorities confirmed that the mosques targeted were those on Deans Avenue and Linwood Avenue. The first in particular, known as Al-Noor, was packed with people, including members of the Bangladesh national cricket team. According to the head of government, "our nation is under attack because it represents diversity".
A maximum state of alert was declared across all of New Zealand. Police established a large exclusion zone within Christchurch. They also asked Muslim worshippers to avoid prayers at places of worship throughout the country: "Officers are doing their utmost to deal with the situation, but the risks remain extremely high," a statement read.
At the very same moment, students were taking to the streets for the climate
The city council also set up a support service for the parents of young people who were taking part in the climate strike at that very same time: "Do not attempt to come and find your children until the police have confirmed it is safe to go to the city centre," local authorities explained.
In response to a serious ongoing firearms incident in Christchurch all Christchurch schools have been placed into lockdown. Police urge anyone in central Christchurch to stay off the streets and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111.
This is a rare event in New Zealand. The country is well known for its low crime rate. The US State Department itself, in its guidance for tourists, notes that "the use of firearms is an unusual occurrence".