New Zealand marks one week since mosque attacks
Nationwide prayers have taken place to mark one week since a mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch killed 50 worshippers.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will lead thousands of mourners expected to gather at a park in front of the Al Noor mosque, where most of the victims died, for a prayer followed by two minutes of silence.
Ardern, who has labelled the attack as terrorism, announced a ban on military-style semi-automatic and assault rifles under tough new gun laws on Thursday.
The prime minister is expected to be accompanied in the Christchurch prayers with community leaders and other foreign dignitaries.
The Muslim call to prayer will be broadcast nationally across all free-to-air TV and radio stations.
Armed police have been guarding mosques around New Zealand since the attacks. Police said there would be a "heightened presence" on Friday to reassure those attending weekly prayers.
Candlelight vigils continued until late on Thursday across the country, while government officials worked through the night to prepare the mosque and the bodies of the deceased for a mass burial that expected after the prayers.
“All the bodies are washed. We finished around 1.30 a.m. this morning. It was our duty. After we finished there was a lot of emotion, people were crying and hugging," said a body washer in Christchurch who gave his name as Mo.
Newspapers across the country ran full-page memorials with the names of the victims, and a call for national mourning.
Published: by Radio NewsHub