The right-wing extremist charged over the attacks in Christchurch apparently published a manifesto online that Turkish media said contained specific references to Turkey and ridding the famed Hagia Sophia in Istanbul of its minarets.
The crowds of mainly nationalist and Islamic groups unfurled banners that read “Muslims, stand tall!” and “Muslims, unite!” and conducted a short prayer service for the victims. “Everyone is aware of the rising Islamophobia all over the world; assailants find the courage to launch such attacks because of Muslims’ timidity,” said Faruk Hanedar, one of the demonstrators.Players observed a minute of silence for all the victims ahead of a football match Friday night between Istanbul giant Fenerbahce and Sivasspor.Australia-born 28-year-old Brenton Tarrant appeared in court Saturday and was charged with murder.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday condemned the murders, saying that hostility towards Islam was spreading in Western countries “like a cancer”.