Press Release
Muslims Massacred in New Zealand, Governments Cannot Shirk Responsibility

A horrifying tragedy is unfolding in New Zealand with reports of mass shootings at mosques and other locations targeting Muslims.

Whilst events are still raw, what is known so far points to the deliberate targeting of the Muslim population by one or more anti-Muslim far right supremacists.

Hizb ut Tahrir / Australia would like to offer the following remarks at this point:

1. First and foremost, our prayers go out to the victims and their loved ones.

2. Secondly, anti-Muslim hysteria is not a new phenomenon in New Zealand. Its latest variation is the war on terror New Zealand and other countries signed up to when they agreed to fight America’s war.

The war on terror is a campaign that specifically, and exclusively, positions Islam and Muslims as an existential threat. It is the desire to subdue this threat that serves as the basis for military adventurism in the Muslim world.

3. Thirdly, anti-Muslim hysteria championed under the war on terror has radicalised local populations so greatly a tragedy of this scale was not just always possible, but inevitable.

Anti-Muslim hysteria has many fronts. Its most violent manifestations flow through the state in the form of military adventurism abroad and punitive measures at home. Other times civilians are asked to play their part, and then in matters like those before us, will take matters to their natural conclusions.

What is inescapable in all of this is how the war on terror, and its anti-Muslim underpinnings, was initiated solely by the state. How it subsequently plays out, even in matters from which the state will inevitably seek to distance itself, is the sole responsibility of the state. It lit the fire that has been blazing entire countries abroad, and it is now burning so horrifyingly at home.

The government of New Zealand has blood on its hands. No crocodile tears. No shirking of responsibility.

Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir
in Australia