Officials around the world are on alert for possible new attacks against Muslim communities following the massacre in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which 50 people were killed.

Two days before this attack, two shooters entered a school in the city of Suzano, near São Paulo, and carried out an attack that left 10 dead. The motivation in this case was not religious, though, the violence is worrisome. In common, the killers of both massacres communicated, planned, and radicalized through online forums such as 4Chan.

After the massacre in Chirstchurch, the Brazilian Muslim community was once again on high alert for possible attacks. On the same day as the massacre in Christchurch, Abu Bakr Assidik Mosque in the city of São Bernardo do Campo, near São Paulo, was guarded by the Civil Police and Municipal Guard to ensure the safety of those present during Friday prayer. The city’s Muslim community feared attacks after online threats and a series of YouTube videos made against Muslims.

A member of the congregation who wished to remain anonymous said that the individual “did not threaten any specific mosque, [but] in his threats he said that Muslims have to die.”

Hatred and threats against Muslims in Brazil are not new.

Full article at Sojourners’ website. Date of publication: 08/04/2019