The Maldives National Defence Force on Monday expressed solidarity with New Zealand after the mosque attacks in Christchurch by displaying a silver fern at the Bandaara Koshi headquarters.
The silver fern symbol of New Zealand was put up on a five-storey-high screen on the side of the MNDF building in the capital Malé’s Republic Square.
“To God we belong and surely to him we return,” was written in Arabic below the symbol.
The silver fern was also projected onto the Sydney Opera House in solidarity, a day after 50 people were killed in the mass shootings.
“Terrorism has no religion, no colour, and no country. Today we stand in solidarity with our slain brothers and sisters in New Zealand,” the Maldives National Counter-Terrorism Centre tweeted on Monday.
The terrorist attack had been swiftly condemned by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Friday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones and the entire New Zealand community following the horrific mosque shootings in Christchurch today,” he tweeted.
“Terrorism and bigotry have no place in civilized society and I condemn this cowardly act in the strongest of terms.”
Former president Mohamed Nasheed echoed the president’s sentiments: “Appalled by the terrorist massacre at the Christchurch mosques. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. All decent and sensible people must unite against terrorism and extremism in all its forms.”
Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid sent a message of condolence to New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.
“Terrorism is an evil menace, that has no regard to any religion, ideology or nation. Too many innocent lives around the world have been lost to the scourge of terrorism,” read the message.
“The vicious attacks today in Christchurch yet again highlights the urgent need for the international community to unite to combat the threats of terrorism. The Maldives stands with the people of New Zealand and reiterates its firm and unwavering commitment to rid the world from the dangers of terrorism and extremism.”
