Skip to main content

Erdogan uses New Zealand terror video at campaign rallies

International and Turkish actors criticize President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for using New Zealand mosque massacre video at his campaign rallies for the March 31 local elections.
Supporters of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan wave Turkish and party flags during a rally for the upcoming local elections in Istanbul, Turkey, March 19, 2019. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RC1962789480

ANKARA, Turkey — Opposition parties have condemned President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for campaigning using the video made by the gunman who killed 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

In election rallies in the northwest towns of Zonguldak and Kocaeli today, Erdogan interrupted his speech to allow the crowds to watch the film taken by a camera strapped to the gunman’s helmet as he entered Al-Noor Mosque and went from room to room shooting worshippers. The video was played on huge screens beside the stage on which Erdogan stood.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.