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Thousands Gather At Remembrance Service For Victims Of New Zealand Attack


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Around 20,000 people have gathered for a national remembrance service for the 50 victims of the New Zealand terror attack.

Muslim leaders and representatives from 59 countries attended the event in Christchurch's Hagley Park.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told the crowd that violence or extremism in any form is not welcome in New Zealand.

She said: "Our challenge now is to make the very best of us, a daily reality.

"Because we are not immune to the viruses of hate, of fear... We never have been. But we can be the nation that discovers the cure."

She called for a global collective response to tackling and violence and terrorism, stating: "The world has been stuck in a vicious cycle of extremism breeding extremism and it must end."

A survivor of the terror attack spoke about how he has been able to forgive the person responsible.

Farid Ahmed told the crowd: "I cannot deny the fact that he is my human brother."

Musician Cat Stevens - who's also known as Yusuf Islam - performed at the service.

Among the international representatives in attendance was Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

He also visited one of the mosques where the shooting took place:

Main image: People listen during a National Remembrance Service in Hagley Park for the victims of the March 15 mosques terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand. Picture by: Mark Baker/AP/Press Association Images

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