Australian senator blames immigration for shootings

SYDNEY: Australian Senator Fraser Anning has provoked outrage after claiming the terror attacks against mosques in New Zealand were vigilantism, according to foreign media.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was "one of New Zealand's darkest days" and called the shootings terrorist attacks. At least 51 Muslim worshippers were martyred in Christchurch and another 20 were seriously injured.

But Fraser Anning, a senator in Queensland, has issued a statement describing the terror attacks as "vigilantism" and claiming that Muslim immigration was to blame for the atrocity. “Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?

"I am utterly opposed to any form of violence within out community, and I totally condemn the actions of the gunman," he wrote. "However, whilst this kind of violent vigilantism can never be justified, what it highlights is the growing fear within our community, both in Australia and New Zealand, of the increasing Muslim presence."

The statement was immediately criticised by people in Australia and New Zealand, as well as others around the world, including Australian prime minister Scott Morrison. New Zealand, like Australia, is home to people from all faiths, cultures and backgrounds. There is absolutely no place in either of our countries for the hatred and intolerance that has bred this extremist, terrorist violence and we condemn it, said Scott Morrison.