Saudi Arabia for laws to curb racism against Muslims

In the wake of the New Zealand mosque attacks that killed 50 people and injured many, Saudi Arabia called for laws in some countries to curb racism against Muslims.

Addressing a Human Rights Council panel discussion here on Friday, Head of Human Rights Department of the Kingdom’s Permanent Delegation to UN Dr. Fahd Al-Mutairi expressed concern at some racist speeches and policies in some countries such as Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Britain, Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

He expressed the Kingdom’s concern at the leniency of some of those who support the rhetoric of extremism, hatred and violence on the pretext of freedom of opinion and expression.

He said the Kingdom has repeatedly warned against racist and anti-cultural rhetoric and has called on some governments to adopt balanced rhetoric and policies that contribute to integrating Muslims into their societies.

Mutairi expressed the Kingdom’s deepest condolences to the victims of the Christchurch terror attacks.

Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf said his ministry is continuously following up on welfare of Saudis in New Zealand after the mosque terror attacks in Christchurch.

One of two Saudi victims of terror attacks succumbed to his injuries.

The second injured Saudi citizen, 19-year-old Aseel Ansari has narrated on how he managed to escape from the carnage in Christchurch.

The gunman saw Ansari and began shooting in his direction and hit him in the knee, but he “managed to jump to a house next to the mosque.”