UNITED IN GRIEF
Thousands join in Muslim prayers as New Zealand falls silent to pay tribute to 50 killed in Christchurch massacre
THE Muslim call to prayer sounded out over Christchurch and around New Zealand today, as thousands gathered to remember the 50 people killed by a lone gunman at two mosques a week ago.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern joined about 20,000 people standing quietly at Hagley Park, in front of the Al Noor mosque where most of the victims were killed during Friday prayers last week.
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She said in a short speech: "New Zealand mourns with you. We are one," followed by two minutes of silence.
Fifty victims died in the shootings at two Christchurch mosques after a lone attacker opened fire during Friday prayers.
The main suspect, Australian Brenton Tarrant, has been charged with one murder following the Christchurch attack and was remanded without a plea.
The gunman live-streamed the attack for 17-minutes before posting it on Facebook, along with a 74-page manifesto of hate.
Ardern, who swiftly denounced the shooting as terrorism, has announced a ban on military-style semi-automatic and assault rifles.
The country is under heightened security alert since the attack, and police said on Friday they were investigating a threat made against Ardern on Twitter.
COUNTRY IN MOURNING
He is due back in court on April 5, when police said he was likely to face more charges.
Most victims of New Zealand's worst mass shooting were migrants or refugees from countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Somalia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
Imam Gamal Fouda told the crowd at the Al Noor mosque, many wearing headscarves in support of the grieving Muslim community: "We are broken-hearted, but we are not broken. We are alive, we are together, we are determined to not let anyone divide us."
He said in prayers broadcast nationally: "To the families of the victims, your loved ones did not die in vain. Their blood has watered the seeds of hope."
TWO MINUTE SILENCE
Tens of thousands of people paid their respects around the country with some forming human chains in front of mosques.
Others said silent prayers at schools, cafes and even offices.
Relatives and other mourners thronged into a Christchurch cemetery where 26 victims of the attack, and one person who died in a car crash that was unrelated to the mosque shooting, were laid to rest in a mass burial.
One mourner said over a microphone, referring to an Islamic funeral prayer: "This is a special janazah. We don't do these every day."
They added: "We don't bury 27 of our brothers and sisters every day."
We don't bury 27 of our brothers and sisters every day
A Muslim mourner
The first to be laid to rest was Naeem Rashid, who was hailed as a hero, killed trying to tackle the gunman at the Al Noor mosque.
Ardern, surrounded by ministers and security officials at Hagley Park, wore a black headscarf and a black suit.
Female police at the park also wore headscarves, with a red rose on their uniforms.
In a powerful speech that lasted about 20 minutes, the imam, Fouda, said through its love and compassion, New Zealand was unbreakable.
He said: "We are here in our hundreds and thousands unified for one purpose that hate will be undone, and love will redeem us."
He thanked Ardern for her compassion, saying: "It has been a lesson for world leaders."
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Fouda also denounced Islamophobia, saying it had killed people.
He said: "Islamophobia is real. It is a targeted campaign to influence people to dehumanise and irrationally fear Muslims.
"To fear what we wear, to fear the choice of food we eat, to fear the way we pray and to fear the way we practice our faith."
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Students from Punchbowl Boys High School perform a haka after Friday prayers at Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb Mosque in Sydney
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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces ban of all ‘military style semi-automatic weapons’ and assault rifles after Christchurch mosque attack
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