New Zealand cancels Christchurch attacks memorial due to coronavirus fears
(VOVWORLD) -New Zealand has called off a national remembrance service marking the one-year anniversary of the attack on Christchurch mosques, due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
 Police guard at the scene of the shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 20, 2019. (Source: AFP / VNA) |
The event, which was to be held in Christchurch on Sunday, was expected to attract a large crowd, with many traveling from around New Zealand and from overseas. The Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, said it was a “pragmatic decision”.
Fifty-one people died in two Christchurch mosques last year when a gunman opened fire on worshippers. The man accused of the attacks, 29-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant, is due to stand trial in June on charges of terrorism, murder and attempted murder. New Zealand has six cases of coronavirus.