New York: United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has urged the international community to ‘stand united against anti-Muslim hatred’ following a mass shooting in New Zealand on Friday targeting two mosques, leaving at least 50 dead and many others wounded.
“I’m saddened and strongly condemn the shooting of innocent people as they prayed peacefully in mosques in New Zealand,” tweeted the UN chief, expressing his “deepest condolences to the victims’ families”.
“Today and every day, we must stand united against anti-Muslim hatred, and all forms of bigotry and terror,” he stressed.
In a statement issued later Friday morning, the UN's spokesperson said Guterres was shocked and appalled by the terrorist attack, recalling the "sanctity of mosques, and all places of worship. He calls upon all people on this holy day for Muslims, to show signs of solidarity with the bereaved Islamic community."
"The Secretary-General reiterates the urgency of working better together globally to counter Islamophobia and eliminate intolerance and violent extremism in all its forms," the spokesperson added.
A gunman, who police have described as being in his late 20s, has been arrested and charged with murder. According to news reports, he live-streamed himself via a head-mounted camera online, firing at worshippers inside the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand.
A second attack also took place at the city’s Linwood Mosque.
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