French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall. Photo / Reuters
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall. Photo / Reuters
New Zealand's Islamic leaders have condemned the "cowardly and shocking" terrorist attacks in Paris.
Islamic extremist movement Deash has supposedly claimed responsibility for a ruthless series of suicide bombings and shootings in the French capital this morning (NZT), murdering at least 153 civilians and leaving a further 200 people wounded.
Six attack sites, including a concert hall where 112 hostages were killed and diners who came under machine gun fire, have sent France into a state of national emergency as the world waits for proof of who organised the sickening acts.New Zealand Muslim Association president, Hazim Arafeh, says it's hard to imagine anyone else but Daesh would commit such "cowardly" crimes.
"Up to now, no-one has claimed responsibility and while it hasn't been proven it's Daesh, there is no one else who seems likely to commit such a cowardly act," Arafeh said.
"We 100 per cent condemn any terrorist act regardless of where they are. Regardless of who is behind this, we condemn the loss of life and attacks on peaceful civilians.
"I'd just like to express how deeply shocked and stunned I am to what I've heard. I'm just following the news like everyone else."
Likewise, Asif Koya, president of the International Muslim Association of New Zealand, also slammed the tragic news - fearing widespread and indiscriminate recoil on the Islamic community.
"I'm sure Muslim's in France will be affected and I wish them well for the pressure they will come under," Koya said.
"Obviously we are very saddened for all the victims and everyone affected. We condemn any act of violence."
French borders are now closed and Parisian residents have been put under curfew as 1500 military personnel patrol the streets in an attempt to restore security.
