Security near Brussels mosques has been strengthened in the wake of last week’s right-wing terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Although OCAM (L’organe de coordination pour l’analyse de la menace, or “the coordination unit for threat analysis”) did not raise the terrorist threat level in Belgium following the attack, the police has nevertheless mobilised extra officers to ensure that mosques remain safe throughout the next few days.
In Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, police took the further step of setting up a special email address for leaders of the Muslim community to contact them if they feel threatened. A police presence will also be maintained around Molenbeek’s mosques and schools.
The attack in Christchurch claimed the lives of 50 people after a shooting in two separate mosques. Over thirty people were injured, with some remaining in a critical condition.
The suspected attacker, Australian 28 year old Brenton Tarrant, has been charged with murder by the New Zealand authorities.