Police investigating after reports of 'hate speech' message written outside Al Noor mosque

Newshub 13/12/2020
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Police are investigating after reports of a 'hate speech' message written in chalk outside a Christchurch mosque, a spokesperson confirmed to Newshub.

The concerning message was left outside the Masjid Al Noor on Deans Avenue in Riccarton on Saturday.

"The matter is being investigated and police are working with the Al Noor mosque leadership team," the police spokesperson said on Sunday.

"Police are taking this matter extremely seriously, as we do all reports of hate speech or behaviour that causes concern to our communities."

Masjid Al Noor imam, Gamal Fouda, told Stuff that education is imperative in regards to preventing hate speech, and called for a greater emphasis on diversity and acceptance in the school curriculum.

"New Zealand needs to do a lot more about hate and discrimination," he told the outlet.

The exact wording of the message remains unclear, although Stuff understands it may have been 'Islam is Right about Women'.

The Masjid Al Noor was the primary target of the terrorist attack in Christchurch on March 15, 2019. Fifty-one people died in the two consecutive shootings at Al Noor and the Linwood Islamic Centre during Friday Prayer, and 40 others were injured.

The gunman was sentenced to life in prison without parole in August 2020.