Jacinda Ardern To Appoint Minister For Action On Christchurch Massacre Report

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the appointment of a minister to act on the Christchurch massacre report, ahead of the public release of the extensive findings from the 2019 shooting. The terror attack, which took place on March 15, 2019, at two mosques in the country, had left 51 people dead and several injured. Brenton Tarrant, a white supremacist, had been named behind the attack and sentenced to life imprisonment. Ardern's government had initiated a detailed inquisition into the massacre, the report on which is reportedly due to release in Parliament on Tuesday.

On Monday, assuring accountability for action against the Christchurch shooting, Ardern told reporters, "The community will want to see accountability in terms of the implementation, they will want to know who is responsible for coordinating some of those efforts and we will be providing that."

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About the 2019 Christchurch shootings

The Christchurch shootings were termed one of the worst terror attacks in New Zealand. On March 15, 2019, Tarrant, a single gunman, had opened fire on two mosques consecutively, killing 51 people and injuring 40 others. Tarrant had live-streamed the first shooting on Facebook, the video for which had later been banned in the country. He was given a life sentence in 2020.

Ardern's government has compiled a hefty 792-page report on the Christchurch attacks after a 20-month inquiry, which reportedly includes scores of interviews, investigations and interactions with leaders and experts. The compendium, through the royal commission of inquiry, has also probed into the security agencies of the country to account for any shortcomings. A newly appointed minister will look into implementing the recommendations of the report.

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Ardern's leadership after the massacre

Ardern had garnered global praise for the leadership she exhibited in the aftermath of the Christchurch massacre. The PM had visited families of people affected by the terror attack, consoling them in person. Her presence was marked by the headscarf she took during this time, in accordance with the Islamic faith. In the days immediately following the attack, she had promised aid and policy reform on gun control measures in New Zealand.

According to Reuters, however, authorities in the country were criticised by people for ignoring calls of growing hate crimes against Muslims, in the face of white supremacy.