New Zealand PM shows solidarity to Muslim community

IANS  |  Christchurch 

A day after 49 people were killed in the horrific Christchurch mosques shootings, on Saturday showed solidarity to the Muslim community, saying "this is not the people know".

She made the remark during her 40-minute address at the Christchurch Canterbury Refugee Centre, where she delivered a message of unity to the country's Islamic community, the worst affected by the bloody massacre of Friday, when gunmen opened fire at two mosques.

"You were quick to mention this is not the that you know. I want to reaffirm that today. This is not New Zealand," Arden, draped in a black salwar-kameez with dupatta covering her head, told the Muslim leaders and the media in attendance.

"Bodies are still being removed from mosque. Emergency services are still removing bodies from the where 41 people were killed on Friday," she said.

The hoped that all the bodies would be cleared on Saturday.

announced that families who lost their loved ones in the two shootings would be entitled to compensation.

She said police security at mosques across would continue until "it is deemed there is no longer a threat".

More charges would also be laid against the Australian accused of the Christchurch attacks. The 28-year-old faced court on Saturday morning and was charged with one count of murder.

"It absolutely was his intention to continue with his attack," she said at the Centre.

has already announced that there will be changes to the country's gun laws in the aftermath of the massacre, reported.

According to TVNZ, Ardern visited the Centre with Deputy and opposition

New Zealand's iconic silver fern will adorn the Sydney Opera House, one of Australia's most recognisable landmarks, on Saturday night

New announced the show of respect on her official account, saying it was a "symbol of solidarity, support and respect".

New Zealanders have been leaving tributes to the victims near the Christchurch Botanical gardens, close to the where 41 people died, reported.

Some have left flowers, while other have written on the pavement in coloured chalk. "From the depths of our hearts, we are sorry," one message said.

Friday's killing was a terrorist attack that appeared orchestrated for the The brutal shootings were previewed on an and then graphically live-streamed on

An 87-page manifesto, found by authorities after it was posted online, was filled with anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim ideas.

--IANS

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First Published: Sat, March 16 2019. 09:10 IST