Fight the right-wing terror hate with love for Muslims

Christchurch terrorist Brenton Tarrant stated he wanted to incite violence and further divide European people from Muslims, let’s do the opposite and show our solidarity, writes Miranda Devine.

If we demand Muslims speak out against the murderous ideology of Islamism, then we must speak out against the murderous ideology of white supremacy behind Friday’s terrorist attack.

RELATED: New Zealand terror accused Brenton Tarrant defiant in court

Jordan Peterson calls what happened in Christchurch, “the pathology of identity politics on the extreme right”. It’s a hate-filled mirror image of Islamism.

The man charged with murder yesterday, 28-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant, allegedly live-streamed the executions from a camera on his head.

RELATED: Brenton Tarrant’s manifesto: the delusions of a white supremacist

The killer’s eye video as he strolls through the mosque firing on moving figures is horribly familiar to anyone who has played Call of Duty or other active shooter video games.

Hundreds of floral tributes run the length of a wall at the Botanic Gardens in Christchurch. Picture: Gary Ramage

The live-stream video was removed from Facebook and Twitter but, ominously, Malaysian and other Muslim tweeters kept posting it.

It is the best recruiting tool an ailing Islamic State and al-Qaeda could ever dream of, visible proof of violent oppression of Muslims in the West. It will be the justification for future atrocities as the cycle of revenge reverberates.

In a grandiose “manifesto” posted online, the terrorist’s stated aim is “to incite violence, retaliation and further divide between the European people and the invaders (Muslims)”.

Let’s do the opposite. Reach out to Muslims and express your solidarity. Be inspired by the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Where there is hatred, let me sow love.” This is a line in the sand.

@mirandadevine