Turkish opposition condemns N. Zealand terror attacks

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish opposition parties' heads on Friday condemned the terror attacks targeting two New Zealand mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand that left at least 49 people dead.

"A big terror offense was committed in New Zealand against humanity. Terrorists opened fired at worshippers in mosque! May Allah have mercy on those who lost their lives. I also wish recovery for the injured ones," main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said on Twitter.

Kilicdaroglu also condemned the rise of Islamophobia and called on the West to address the issue.

Meanwhile, Devlet Bahceli, head of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said: “The scene (of the terrorist attack) is horrific and it has devastated conscience of the humanity."

Bahceli said the terrorists are hostile towards Turkey as they issued threats to Turkey on social media.

Meral Aksener, the leader of Good (IYI) Party, also condemned the terror attack.

"I condemn this felonious, Islamophobic attack against Al Noor Mosque in New Zealand," Aksener said on social media.

She offered condolences over the loss of lives in the attacks and wished a quick recovery for the injured people.

In a Twitter post, Felicity Party leader Temel Karamollaoglu said: "I strongly condemn the terrorist attack on two mosques in New Zealand and may Allah have mercy on our brothers who were martyred in this attack."

Earlier, at least 49 people were confirmed killed when gunmen targeted two mosques in Christchurch, according to Mike Bush, New Zealand police commissioner. Three people were arrested following the shooting.