by Alejandro Echeverria
27/4/2019
Terrorist attack and mass shootings have increased since the war on terror began in September 11, 2001. Almost two decades later and the war continues predominantly between Christians and Muslims. Frequently our social media news feed is acts on terrorism across the globe. Most of the trouble areas would be middle east, Europe and/or US. Currently an incrimination of terrorist attack has happened on the South Pacific such as Australia and New Zealand. The most current affair that has disturbed the world has been the massacre of Christchurch, New Zealand on March 15, 2019. Society and the media shape our minds when thinking of terrorism. As a society we tend to relate an act of terror with a particular group and redefine it when a privileged person commits such unprecedented violence.
New Zealand is hardly ever seen or heard of on the news as it is known to be one of the most peaceful and stable countries in the world. Police hardly ever carries fire arms due to low rates of crime in New Zealand. Relation between Australia and New Zealand have always been maintained at good level, but things drastically changed On March 15, 2019 compromising relations between these two great countries. Nearly fifty people where killed in Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. Twenty eight year old Australian Brenton Tarrant, is the responsible man for killing 50 people and injuring 48 including children according to news.com.au.
Brentton Tarrant from NSW Australia, had all of his ammunitation on his car as he drove to his first destination Masjid Al Noor mosque. “Tarrant drove to the mosque in his beige station wagon. He was armed, dangerous and determined, surrounded by ammunition and weapons he’d placed on the passenger seat and in the boot, along with petrol canisters” (news.com.au) The majority of the people killed on the 15th of March occurred at Masjid Al Noor mosque, having a toll of forty one. An estimate of 500 people where in the mosque when the shooting began. Brenton Tarrant shot a man as he was driving to the second mosque Linwood Islamic Center where he would kill another eight people.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, confirmed the incident as a terror attack. “Under terror laws, the Crown prosecutor must show there was death or serious injury, it was done for political or ideological reasons, and was intended to induce terror in a civilian population” nine.com.au. Mr Tarrant’s massacre may not be charged as a terrorist. Terrorism Suppression Act (TSA), says only two things need to be proven on a murder trial; 1) The accused did it and 2) if there was an intention to kill. Instead he might be charged with multiple murder, because it’s easier to prove!? On April 5th the judge Cameron Mander said that Mr Tarrant will undergo two mental health assessment before appearing in court on June 14th. What happens if health assessment are positive? Will Brenton Tarrant plea not guilty by reason of insanity, just like James Holmes protagonist of the cinema attack in the US back in 2012?
What does New Zealand do to prevent future atrocities? The prime minister Jacinda Ardern, asked Citizens of New Zealand to surrender their semi-automatic weapons through a voluntary amnesty. Tighter gun regulation have been implemented within days of the massacre. New Zealand does well and sets an example to the world, but particularly the US where gun control is one of its biggest issues. As Brenton Tarrant bought his guns online, New Zealand bans any military semi automatic weapon.
Is Mr Tarrant the only person we should blame and find guilty for the crime he committed? Or do we blame white supremacist along with media for structuring our minds and believing in terms such as Islamophobia? “F…ing Muslims we’re going to kill you today” were the shouts of Brenton Tarrant as he had already shot people in the mosque. What did Mr Tarrant mean by saying “we’re going to kill you today?” We, as a white society or as non Muslims? As the world reads, watches or listens to news and hear or see words such as “Terrorist” or “Terrorist Attack” do we stop and think that a terror attack may be committed by any human being, regardless of gender, religion, or color? Tension remains until June 14th when Brenton Tarrant will appear for his court. It ‘s a worldwide concern if this act of violence is not considered an act of terror, when committed by the privileged. Citizens of New Zealand remain in hope that the right justice will be given to the man who caused the unprecedent violence.
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