Aussie senator slammed for outrageous remarks in wake of Christchurch tragedy

PETALING JAYA: An Australian senator has been slammed for his outrageous remarks in the wake of the fatal terror attacks on two mosques in New Zealand.

Queensland Senator Fraser Anning has been slammed on social media for his outrageous remarks on the Christchurch mosque massacre in a Facebook post he shared on Friday (March 15).

The post included various images of what seemed like previous Muslim terrorist attacks collaged as a photo with the title reading, “Where was the outpouring of rage from the left when Muslim terrorists killed time and time again?”

“Next time there is a Muslim terrorist attack, the left will remain silent as usual and use the ‘mental illness, lone wolf, no connection to Islam’ excuses,” said the senator.

The post gained 11,000 reactions, 27, 000 comments and nearly 4,000 shares as at 7.34pm Friday.

Many who commented were angered by his remarks and were shocked that such statements came from an Australian senator.

Julie Kidd said, “49 innocent human beings murdered at prayer and this is Anning’s response. You have no place in our parliament or even walking amongst humanity. Anning, you are a shame on our soul.”

Sam Weingott added, “People died today. People that were just going about their usual day, without impact or cruelty. You survived. You are not a nice person.”

Vickie Angel, meanwhile, said, “Shame on you Fraser Anning, for using this tragedy to political point score. Disgusting.”

According to a report by news.com.au, Senator Anning released a media statement earlier today that was widely condemned on social media.

He said that the attacks highlighted the “growing fear over an increasing Muslim presence” in Australian and New Zealand communities.

More than that, he claimed that the real cause of the bloodshed that left at least 49 people dead was because of New Zealand’s immigration policy.

“I am utterly opposed to any form of violence within our community, and I totally condemn the actions of the gunman,” said the Senator.

“However, while 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 real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration programme which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place.”

Senator Anning went on to say that while Muslims may have been victims of attacks, he claimed they were also perpetrators and blamed deaths on “the entire religion of Islam”.

“It is the religious equivalent of fascism,” he said.

The report by news.com.au adds that Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also criticised Senator Anning’s remarks, describing them as ‘disgusting.’

“The remarks by Senator Fraser Anning blaming the murderous attacks by a violent, right-wing, extremist terrorist in New Zealand on immigration are disgusting.

“Those views have no place in Australia, let alone the Australian Parliament,” Morrison added.