Man fired and deported from UAE for celebrating New Zealand mosque shootings
Employee accused of making 'inflammatory comments' on Facebook
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An employee for a security company in the United Arab Emirates has been fired and deported after he allegedly celebrated the mass murder of Muslims in New Zealand last week.
Transguard Group said its employee, who was not identified, made “inflammatory comments” on his Facebook page after at least 50 people were killed and dozens wounded at two mosques in Christchurch on Friday.
The company said the employee was fired and handed over to authorities before he was deported by the UAE government.
In a statement, Transguard said: ”Over the weekend, a Transguard employee made inflammatory comments on his personal Facebook account celebrating the deplorable mosque attack in Christchurch, New Zealand.”
Managing director Greg Ward said: “We have a zero-tolerance policy for the inappropriate use of social media, and as a result this individual was immediately terminated and turned over to the authorities to face justice.”
Transguard did not disclose the man’s alleged comments, and his name, nationality and position were not released.
UAE newspaper The National said the employee was believed to be a security officer whose Facebook post celebrating the shooting also included a reference to a deadly attack on Indian soldiers in Kashmir last month.
The UAE, where the official religion is Islam, has condemned the attack in New Zealand and offered its condolences to the victims’ families.
Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian man who was living in New Zealand, was charged with murder over the country’s worst modern mass shooting on Saturday.
The first two people to be buried after the attacks were a father and son. Hundreds of people attended the services in Christchurch.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments