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Christchurch shootings: New Zealand falls silent for mosque victims | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
New Zealand has broadcast the Islamic call to prayer and observed a two-minute silence in ceremonies to mark a week since the Christchurch attacks. | |
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern joined thousands of mourners near the Al-Noor mosque, one of two places of worship targeted in last Friday's shootings. | |
Addressing the Muslim community she said: "New Zealand mourns with you, we are one." | |
Fifty people were killed and dozens more wounded in the attacks. | Fifty people were killed and dozens more wounded in the attacks. |
Australian Brenton Tarrant, a self-proclaimed white supremacist, has been charged with one murder and is expected to face further charges. | Australian Brenton Tarrant, a self-proclaimed white supremacist, has been charged with one murder and is expected to face further charges. |
On Thursday Ms Ardern announced a ban on all types of semi-automatic weapons. | On Thursday Ms Ardern announced a ban on all types of semi-automatic weapons. |
What is happening on Friday? | |
Thousands of people have gathered in Hagley Park, near the Al-Noor mosque, to mark Friday's national day of reflection for the victims. | |
The Muslim call to prayer, or adhan, was broadcast on national television and radio at 13:30 (00:30 GMT) and was followed by a two-minute silence. | |
In an address beforehand, Ms Ardern cited Islamic scripture, adding: "When any part of the body suffers the whole body feels pain." | |
Imam Gamal Fouda, who was leading prayers, said the gunman "broke the hearts of millions around the world". | |
"Today, from the same place, I look out and I see the love and compassion," he said. "New Zealand is unbreakable." | |
Many mosques across the country are expected to open their doors to visitors and human chains will be formed outside some in symbolic acts of protection and solidarity. | Many mosques across the country are expected to open their doors to visitors and human chains will be formed outside some in symbolic acts of protection and solidarity. |
Victims of the Christchurch shootings | Victims of the Christchurch shootings |
Fifty people lost their lives in the shootings at two mosques in the city. | Fifty people lost their lives in the shootings at two mosques in the city. |
Earlier, Ms Ardern encouraged as many New Zealanders as possible to use the day to pause and reflect. | |
"I know many New Zealanders wish to mark the week that has passed since the terrorist attack and to support the Muslim community as they return to mosques," she said. | "I know many New Zealanders wish to mark the week that has passed since the terrorist attack and to support the Muslim community as they return to mosques," she said. |
"How we choose to reflect during the silence will be different for each of us. Everyone should do what feels right for them, wherever they are - at home, at work, at school." | "How we choose to reflect during the silence will be different for each of us. Everyone should do what feels right for them, wherever they are - at home, at work, at school." |
One social media campaign has urged non-Muslim women in New Zealand to wear a headscarf for the day. | One social media campaign has urged non-Muslim women in New Zealand to wear a headscarf for the day. |
Meanwhile, government officials worked into the night to prepare the mosque and the bodies of victims for a mass burial in Christchurch later on Friday. | |
One person who took part said: "All the bodies are washed. We finished around 1.30am. It was our duty. After we finished there was a lot of emotion, people were crying and hugging." | One person who took part said: "All the bodies are washed. We finished around 1.30am. It was our duty. After we finished there was a lot of emotion, people were crying and hugging." |
What is the gun ban? | What is the gun ban? |
Ms Ardern announced a ban on all types of semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles following the Christchurch attacks. | Ms Ardern announced a ban on all types of semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles following the Christchurch attacks. |
She said she expected new legislation to be in place by 11 April, saying: "Our history changed forever. Now, our laws will too." | She said she expected new legislation to be in place by 11 April, saying: "Our history changed forever. Now, our laws will too." |
"Six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles in New Zealand," Ms Ardern said in a news conference. | "Six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles in New Zealand," Ms Ardern said in a news conference. |
"Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines." | "Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines." |
An amnesty has been imposed so the owners of affected weapons can hand them in, and a buy-back scheme will follow. | An amnesty has been imposed so the owners of affected weapons can hand them in, and a buy-back scheme will follow. |
The buy-back could cost up to NZ$200m ($138m; £104m), but Ms Ardern said "that is the price that we must pay to ensure the safety of our communities". | The buy-back could cost up to NZ$200m ($138m; £104m), but Ms Ardern said "that is the price that we must pay to ensure the safety of our communities". |
Ms Ardern has also announced that a National Memorial Service for victims is being planned for next week. | Ms Ardern has also announced that a National Memorial Service for victims is being planned for next week. |