Murder Of Worshippers - Rise Of Right- Wing Terrorism!

The attacks on the two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand have left an indelible scar on the psyche of all peace loving people irrespective of their religious persuasions. The attack is symptomatic of the rise of right-wing extremism globally…extremism that not only tolerates hatred for Muslims but celebrates it.

Right wing extremism is bigotry and xenophobia disguised as patriotism. Right wing ‘democracies’ no longer extend certain fundamental rights to people of a certain race, class, or religion. Hence perpetrators of such heinous crimes do not live in fear of prosecution for hate crimes. This is clear from even a cursory glance at the number of right-wing arrests especially in Europe compared to the number of individuals arrested on suspicion of jihadist extremism or violence.

The attack was a deliberate and calculated act of terrorism designed to ignite tensions between Muslims and non- Muslims in a land where faith communities have in the main coexisted peacefully. It demonstrates that terrorism is not the preserve of any faith or religious group; rather it is the work of criminals driven by hate, racism and fanaticism.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims, their families and friends and to the people of New Zealand. We are encouraged that the Police have apprehended some suspects and trust that the rule of law will prevail.