LONDON: An Australia senator has sparked fury for blaming “Muslim immigration” for the terrorist attack that killed 49 people in mosques in New Zealand. The attacks, which involved a white supremacist gunman, drew global condemnation. But Fraser Anning, a senator from Queensland, tweeted “Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?” In another statement he said: “As always, leftwing politicians and the media will rush to claim that the causes of today’s shootings lie with gun laws or those who hold nationalist views, but this is all clichéd nonsense. “The real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand’s streets today is the immigration program, which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place.” His statement was immediately condemned both in Australia, New Zealand and around the world.

At a time for grieving and reflection, this Australian senator @fraser_anning fans the flames of violence & extremism. Australians will be utterly ashamed of this racist man. In no way does he represent our Australian friends https://t.co/uzezIeNjbN

— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) March 15, 2019

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison described his comments as “disgusting.” “Those views have no place in Australia, let alone the Australian parliament.” UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid accused the senator of stoking extremism. “At a time for grieving and reflection, this Australian senator … fans the flames of violence and extremism. “Australians will be utterly ashamed of this racist man. In no way does he represent our Australian friends,” Javid added. Anning caused widespread offense last year when he used the term “final solution” in calling for a revival of a “White Australia” restrictive immigration policy.