Auckland, July 10
At least four Islamic centres in New Zealand have been vandalised following the bombings in London claimed by Muslim militant groups, the police said today.Windows were smashed at the New Zealand Muslim Association mosque here last night and two other mosques and Al-Faroq Cultural Centre in the south of the city.
No offenders or suspects were seen, Inspector Scott Webb of the Auckland police said, although a vehicle was heard driving away from the cultural centre.
Prime Minister Helen Clark was quick to condemn the attacks.
“New Zealanders across all communities are horrified by the terrorist attacks in London which are the work of evil people,” Mr Clark said.
“But it is wrong to target the Muslim community here in retaliation. New Zealand’s Muslim community like all New Zealand’s communities is overwhelmingly a law-abiding and peaceful community,” she said. “Times like these call for cool heads and for tolerance. The evil acts of some should not lead to making minorities in our communities scapegoats.”
A New Zealand woman has been missing in London since the blasts on
Thursday. — AFP
