New Zealand
As thousands gathered to remember the 50 people killed at two mosques a week ago, the Muslim call to prayer rang out around New Zealand. In Wellington, hundreds of people locked arms, shielding muslims during for Friday prayers.
Police have apologised to the unnamed survivor.
They had been told it was the "safest country in the world".
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that she will not use the name of the gunman who killed 50 people last week in an attack on two mosques. Ardern referred to the gunman’s motives, saying that in part he wanted notoriety, something she said she will not give him and has urged others in the media to follow suit. She has also spoken to social media platforms like Facebook that struggled to keep the livestream of the attack from spreading across the internet.
Ardern ended her speech with the Arabic greeting “Al salam Alaikum”, meaning “Peace be upon you”.
While more commonly associated with the New Zealand rugby team, a “haka” is the term used to describe a ceremonial dance in Māori culture. While they can be used to challenge and scare rivals, as we see on the sports field, they are also used to greet distinguished guests, and to mourn the dead as seen recently after the terror attack in New Zealand.
Swift action is planned by ministers.
We live in a world of intolerant politicians who irresponsibly spur anti-Muslim hate to the extent attacks like Christchurch were only a matter of time – and that is unacceptable
"This boy has changed completely to the boy we knew."
The death toll from the massacre has risen to 50.