New Zealand remembers 51 Muslims killed by terrorist
Remembrances took place in Christchurch, New Zealand on Sunday in honor of the 51 Muslims killed in two terror attacks at a mosques in the town.
Fifty-one victims were killed and 40 injured at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on March 15, 2019. making it New Zealand’s deadliest-ever mass shooting.
The remembrance began with “the Walk the Talk for Unity” at the Bridge of Remembrance in the city center, organized by the Sakinah Community Trust, a group founded by several widows of the victims, local broadcaster 1News reported.
A memorial service at the Peace Bell in the botanic gardens began with a minute of silence, followed by the reading of the names of the 51 victims, and the laying of wreaths.
Australian white supremacist terrorist Brenton Tarrant carried out the attacks at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Center during Friday prayers.
He was sentenced to life in prison in 2020 without the possibility of parole, in the first such ruling ever handed down in the island country.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, while paying tribute to the victims, said Christchurch and New Zealand “showed the world strength, compassion and unity in the face of tragedy” seven years ago.
Luxun vowed to continue to “build a country where everyone can live in peace and safety.”
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