Recent Findings Of Christchurch Mosque Tragedy In New Zealand: Police Ignore Warnings

Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch New Zealand (Source: Commons Wikimedia)

JAKARTA - A recent report on the shooting tragedy at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand was released. An Islamic women's group carrying out an independent investigation said police and security services had been warned.

The Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand even said the potential threat from white supremacy had repeatedly been conveyed to the highest levels of government from 2015 to 2019.

Reuters reported on Tuesday, July 7, the warning in question included a Facebook message threatening the burning of the Koran outside a mosque in Hamilton which was received by the Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand. The threat was addressed on March 15, 2019, the same day that the attack on the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch took place.

Unfortunately, all these warnings were ignored. The police officers who received the reports were not considered serious. It can be seen from how police officers often stop communication with those who report threats. In fact, it was found that several officers had not kept records of meetings which could be used as material for following up on reports.

The Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand finds it difficult to link the Christchurch shootings directly to the threats they encounter. However, it was clear to them, if the threat was followed up a little better, extra steps could be taken. Tighten security in mosques, for example.

All of these findings are conveyed through the investigation submission report which is announced to the public. "The police have enough intelligence to guarantee a coordinated national strategy," the group said, in a 130-page report.

"If there is such a strategy, then the message will warn every mosque in the country of a threat to one mosque on Friday, 15 March 2019, and for all mosques to take additional security measures. Whether the threat was connected to the Christchurch killer is irrelevant, ”said the report.

Semi-automatic gun barrage

Armed with semi-automatic weapons, Australian and suspected white supremacist Brenton Tarrant attacked two mosques - Al Noor and Linwood - in Christchurch on March 15, 2019.

He broadcasts New Zealand's worst mass shooting live on Facebook. Tarrant pleaded guilty to the murder of 51 people. The court ruled that he would commence his sentence on August 24.

Another point that the Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand highlighted was discrimination. They criticized how the police, security services, and government representatives were only focused on fighting terrorism by Muslim extremists. This is considered to provide room for alternative right-wing groups to increase their threat.

“Evidence shows that public sector officers are asleep at work. And worst of all, sleeping on purpose. They ignored our pleas and actively interfered with our work, "said Aliya Danzeisen, one of the leaders of the Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand.

Police said no comments would be issued for the time being. However, regarding the specific threat in the report, the person will be immediately identified and officially given a warning.

Meanwhile, a government spokesman said it would wait for the report before making comments. In addition, an investigation into the shooting threat is scheduled to be reported at the end of July.

Threats to the Muslim community have continued since the attacks in 2019. The threats were made through social media posts that emerged in early 2020.

Unlike the United States or the United Kingdom, New Zealand has never recorded specific hate crime offenses. But lately the public has questioned whether there is something that has been overlooked by the security services so that there is a threat aimed at a group.