Turkish officials condemn New Zealand attacks

ANKARA

Turkey’s defense minister has denounced terrorist attacks Friday at two mosques in New Zealand that left at least 49 people dead.

“On behalf of the members of the Turkish Defense Ministry and Turkish Armed Forces, I strongly condemn this racist terrorism, which was perversely and viciously livestreamed,” Hulusi Akar said in a statement.

“This massacre once again exposed Islamophobic, fascistic terror to the eyes of the whole world,” Akar said, and added: “This event clearly shows the troubling point anti-Islamism and Muslim hostility [have reached] in the world.”

“I wish mercy on the people who lost their lives in this grave massacre, and I wish patience for their relatives and everyone who has any sense of humanity,” Akar added.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu also decried the attacks, and added: “The sin of this incident belongs to Western civilization, which changes its tune according to the nationality and religion of the people killed.”

Separately, Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank said: “We will carry out the real fight in areas where all kinds of racist, fascist mentalities have found fertile soil, especially Islamophobia.”

He added: “Nobody can guarantee that this terrorist attack in New Zealand will not target Muslims in other countries of the world, unless there is an end to the Muslim hatred which has been consciously fueled in the West.”

Youth and Sports Minister Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoglu, for his part, called for a united front against those who promote hate speech and Islamophobia.

Gunmen opened fire on worshippers during Friday prayers at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Four suspects -- three men and one woman -- have been detained so far over the massacres.