Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned on Friday the deadly mass shootings at two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch, adding that the attacks were another example of Islamophobia and racism
ANKARA (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 15th March, 2019) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned on Friday the deadly mass shootings at two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch, adding that the attacks were another example of Islamophobia and racism.
According to the latest police data, the shootings in Christchurch have claimed the lives of 49 people, while injuring another 39. The police have already charged a 28-year-old male with murder and taken another two suspects into custody. A third individual was also detained after the attack but was found to have had nothing to do with the shootings.
"On behalf of my country, I offer my condolences to the Islamic world and the people of New Zealand, who have been targeted by this deplorable act - the latest example of rising racism and Islamophobia," Erdogan tweeted.
The Turkish leader also wished a speedy recovery to all those who were injured in the shootings.
"I strongly condemn the terror attack against the Al Noor Mosque in #NewZealand and Muslim worshippers. May Allah have mercy on the victims and grant a speedy recovery to the wounded," the president said.
Erdogan's spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, has also blamed anti-Muslim rhetoric for the "fascist" terrorist attack in New Zealand.
"We strongly condemn the fascist terrorist attack in #ChristChurch ... This cowardly act shows how anti-Muslim rhetoric and hatred leads to murderous acts. The world must break its silence over Islamophobic hatred," Kalin tweeted.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, described the shootings as one of the "darkest" days for the country.
