Tensions rise over burials of New Zealand shooting victims
The first bodies from the Christchurch mosque massacres were due to be released late Sunday amid growing frustration from victims' families over delays in getting their remains for burial
Islamic custom dictates that the deceased should be buried within 24 hours, but authorities said the complex investigation into the massacre of 50 worshippers during Friday prayers made a quick process difficult.
New Zealand officials said at least one body would be returned Sunday night, and that all 50 should be back with their families by Wednesday.
"It's a massacre, what else do they need to know?," Sheikh Amjad Ali, an assistant school principal who had travelled from Auckland to help with the funeral arrangements, told AFP about some frustrations with the wait.
"The families are sad but they are getting a bit frustrated. The reasons of their deaths are known ... why not release those who have been identified," he said.
"I'm not going to talk against authorities because they have their own rules and regulations, but they are balancing between the culture and religious views and the local laws."
Ali said it was difficult for relatives to know that the bodies had been lying in the mosques...