Christchurch shootings: World leaders react to deadly New Zealand mosque attacks

Christchurch shootings: World leaders react to deadly New Zealand mosque attacks
Copyright REUTERS/SNPA/Martin Hunter
By Camille Simonet with Reuters
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Politicians and world leaders condemned the deadly shootings at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday

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Politicians and world leaders reacted to the deadly shootings at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday.

At least 49 people were killed and more than 20 seriously injured, according to police.

Afghanistan's ambassador to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Wahidullah Waissi, said on Twitter that one Afghan national had been killed and three wounded.

“My thoughts are with the family of Afghan origin who was shot and killed in this heinous incident," he wrote.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told Reuters the Indonesian Muslim community strongly condemned the shootings and that authorities were checking whether any of its citizens were victims.

In Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, leader of the biggest party in the country's ruling coalition, said one Malaysian had been wounded in the attack, which he described as a "tragedy facing humanity and universal peace".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned what he called "the latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia".

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal condemned the incident on social media.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: "Australians stand with all New Zealanders today during this dark time where hate and violence have stolen their peace and innocence. Kia kaha (stay strong)", he declared on Twitter.

European leaders show their support

Theresa May shared her "deepest condolences" in a tweet:

Queen Elisabeth said she was "deeply saddened" by the appaling events in Christchurch in a royal statement:

Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. I also pay tribute to the emergency services and volunteers who are providing support to those who have been injured. At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders."

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker denounced the "senseless act of brutality" in a statment:

"I offer my sincerest condolences to the loved ones of the victims and the community as a whole. We wish strength and courage to the injured and their families."

President of the European Council Donald Tusk commented the attacks on social media:

French president Emmanuel Macron condemned the”odious crimes against the mosques in New Zealand”.

France's Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said he had ordered regional prefects to send police patrols and reinforce surveillance on places of worship “as a precaution”.

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

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

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his thoughts were with the victims, families and government of New Zealand after an attack by “fanatics and extremists who want to destroy our societies.”

US president Donal Trump expressed his "warmest sympahy" to the people of New Zealand in a tweet:

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