Tens of thousands of people in New Zealand’s Christchurch have been joined by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to mark a week since the massacre of worshipers at two mosques in Christchurch.
Muslim call to prayer broadcast as New Zealand mourns massacre
خبرگزاری Herat Afghan Voice Agency(AVA) , 22 Mar 2019 - 17:32
Tens of thousands of people in New Zealand’s Christchurch have been joined by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to mark a week since the massacre of worshipers at two mosques in Christchurch.
AVA- The Muslim call to prayer was broadcast around the country and a two-minute-silence was observed on Friday at almost the same time when Australian terrorist Brenton Tarrant opened fire on worshipers during Friday prayers at two mosques in Christchurch.
After the silence, Prime Minister Ardern addressed some 20,000 mourners, who gathered at Hagley Park, a short walk from the Al Noor mosque — where most people were killed in the first attack.
"New Zealand mourns with you. We are one,” said the prime minister, wearing hijab — the Muslim women’s modest clothing.
Ardern, the world’s youngest female head of government, has been widely praised for her response to the tragedy.
She has impressed many, both at home and overseas, after she personally met with the grieving and desperate families of the victims on Saturday.
Ardern has also been praised for taking speedy steps to tighten gun laws in order to make New Zealand “a safer” country. She said on Monday that her cabinet members had agreed “in principle” to reform gun laws, which she said would be announced within days.
The terrorist was charged with one account of murder at Christchurch District Court on Saturday. He was remanded without a plea and is due to return to court on April 5. Police say he is likely to face further charges.
Many women across New Zealand — with a population of just over 1 percent of Muslims — also wore headscarves on Friday as a sign of support to the community, and a #headscarfforharmony movement was trending on Twitter.
Story Code: 181908