ANIC Welcomes the Sentencing of the Christchurch Massacre Terrorist

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) welcomes the sentencing of the Christchurch Massacre terrorist, Tarrant, that killed 51 innocent worshippers at 2 mosques and injured over 50 people. The terrorist was sentenced today to life without parole. It is the first time in New Zealand’s judicial history that such a sentence has been imposed. This attack was racially and ideologically motivated and highlights an alarming trend in Islamophobia and prejudice against Muslims and Islam fuelled by a dangerous white supremacy ideology. ANIC continues to raise and address the issue of an increasing experience of Islamophobia and the dangers of white supremacy. Events such as that of Christchurch demonstrate that more must be done in countering the rise of Islamophobia and white supremacy whereby laws must be introduced on a federal and state level to ensure the protection of Muslims and other minorities in Australia and globally. ANIC calls upon the Australian government to acknowledge Islamophobia as being a real threat and danger to our society. ANIC extends its sincerest sympathy and respect to the families of the deceased and injured and sincerely thanks all those who stood by and supported the Muslim community in NZ during these difficult times

You may contact ANIC’s Spokesperson, Bilal Rauf in relations to this media statement on 1300 765 940 or spokesperson@anic.org.au.