Christchurch New Zealand was witness to horrific mosque attacks which left 49 dead. In the aftermath of the attacks, the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern made a moving and inclusive statement; one truly befitting a leader. We look at what happened after the terror attacks.
Two mosques were targeted specifically: Al Noor mosque and the Linwood Mosque. 49 people were killed and at least 20 were seriously injured. One of the attackers is said to be a 28 year old Brenton Harrison Tarrant (Australian). He has created a 87-page manifesto full of anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim thoughts that subscribe to the far right ideology.
Hitherto, attackers subscribing to white supremacist ideologies who have been referred to as ‘gunmen’ or ‘attackers’; always as ‘lone wolves’ who may be ‘disturbed’. Western media, as well as leaders, have always been squeamish about calling these what they are – terror attacks. Jacida Ardern has changed that – she has called the Christchurch events terror attacks - without equivocation. She has called the murderers what they are – terrorists. She has unequivocally stated that the strength of her country is in its diversity and its immigrants; that hatred has no place in this. Her clear and strong condemnation of the ideology of white supremacy; which other western leaders have pussy-footed around, was necessary and important. Bravo Ms. Ardern.
The roots of the hatred that fuels such barbaric crimes are often to be found online. As CNN reporters said, this terror attack was “about the rise of white supremacy online and the power of social media in spreading that message.” The fact that the terrorist live-streamed the attack as he used semi-automatic weapons to mow down worshippers of one particular community is horrifying in the extreme and points to this very fomentation of online hate.
The people of New Zealand have responded with alacrity to the attacks. People in the vicinity of the attacks were quick to offer help; helping the injured get to hospital. There was an outpouring of love for the victims and their community. The condemnation of a hate filled ideology has been strong.
Apart from the 49 people killed in the terror attack, many remain critically injured. These are just regular people going about their daily lives, working, nurturing their families, trying to make a life for themselves. In the twisted mind of some people however, the way they worship brands them; makes villains out of them; makes them inimical to their communities.
Far-right Australian senator Fraser Anning issued a statement blaming Muslim immigrants for the attack. According to him, it is the ‘increasing Muslim presence’ that is responsible ‘growing fear with our community’. He further goes on to rant against Islamic thought and religious belief; concluding that even if all the victims, as in this case, were Muslims, they are not ‘blameless’. This textbook Islamophobia has been roundly condemned; however, the very fact that elected representatives believe this and see nothing wrong in publicly espousing such hate-filled thoughts has to alarm all right-thinking people of the world.
Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch responded strongly against what she sees as the result of online propaganda. In her statement she says that the only response to hate can be love, compassion and kindness.
“May we meet hate with love, fear with peace,” says this tweet which echoes what most New Zealanders; indeed what all sane humans will say. It is a beautiful message – this your home and you should have been safe here – it is a message we need to send out to all those that are persecuted, marginalised and falsely maligned who live amongst us. That is the only right thing to do.
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