Tears for Brussels but not Pakistan: How celebs and politicians (didn’t) react to Lahore attack
World leaders and celebrities were quick to condemn the Brussels attacks earlier this week, as monuments across the West lit up in the colors of the Belgian flag.
Waking up to this heartbreaking news this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with you today, #Brussels. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/pKeYIZf1ok
— Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) March 22, 2016
Sending prayers to everyone in Brussels.
— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) March 22, 2016
Do you all remember how beautiful and safe a place Brussels was. Not anymore, it is from a different world! U.S. must be vigilant and smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 22, 2016
Tintin and the Plantu cartoons became a symbol of solidarity and leaders were quick to tweet their support for the victims of the bombings.
LES ATTENTATS CE MARDI 22 MARS À BRUXELLES.
— PLANTU (@plantu) March 22, 2016
(Le dessin du Monde) pic.twitter.com/9OCYMhOCpf
#Brussels The web community mourns with images of #Tintinpic.twitter.com/7nPQMacKD4
— dwnews (@dwnews) March 22, 2016
Today’s horrific suicide bombing in Lahore has not garnered the same amount of sympathy, however. The colors of Pakistan did not light up Western capitals on Sunday evening after at least 69 people, mainly women and children, were killed while celebrating Easter in a terror attack targeting Christians.
why are @SkyNews or @BBCBreaking@BBCNews not showing ANY coverage of the #Lahore attacks?
— Ali ™ (@ali_b86) March 27, 2016
- Not surprised
- Double standards
Nomi loved 2 laugh,2 make people feel good,loved 2 dress up.He ws a good friend.He is not just a number#LahoreBlastpic.twitter.com/ewvaKE3uVE
— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) March 27, 2016
This is the #Lahore park. So the barbaric nature of these terrorists is not lost in tweets/numbing death-toll stats: pic.twitter.com/u85Vlk6gCH
— Raju Narisetti (@raju) March 27, 2016
The US offered a statement of condemnation through National Security Council spokesman Ned Price, but President Obama has so far remained tight-lipped, at least on Twitter, where he is still seen celebrating a “joyful Easter” with family.
Canadian leader Justin Trudeau, French President Francois Hollande and the Russian Foreign Ministry passed on sympathies along with US presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, but most world leaders haven’t said much.
Canada condemns the deplorable bombing in Lahore, Pakistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those killed or injured. #LahoreBlast
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 27, 2016
We are grieving today for the families affected by the deplorable attack in Lahore. No one should ever fear taking their children to a park.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) March 27, 2016
A la suite de l'attentat à Lahore au Pakistan, j'exprime au peuple du Pakistan toute la solidarité de la France dans ces moments douloureux.
— François Hollande (@fhollande) March 27, 2016
Our deepest condolences to people of Pakistan, our colleagues @PakEmbassyDC on loss of innocent lives in today's inhumane attack in Lahore.
— Russian Embassy, USA (@RusEmbUSA) March 27, 2016
Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who survived a terrorist attack in 2009 when her school bus was ambushed by militants, issued a statement for the victims.
Malala's statement on the tragic #LahoreBlast today. pic.twitter.com/2xrSoGK6Yq
— Malala Fund (@MalalaFund) March 27, 2016
friend of mine is in lahore. he just sent me this photo of a family in an ambulance. 70+ killed at a children's park pic.twitter.com/VzY0Lb3A6d
— Ethar El-Katatney (@etharkamal) March 27, 2016
Many people spoke of the lack of sympathy expressed for Lahore compared to that received by France and Belgium, leaving Pakistan wondering where is the ubiquitous “Je suis.”
Stunning lack of flags and hashtags in support of #Lahore - won't hold my breath that the Eiffel Tower will be lit green and white either
— Duncan Wright (@dwright75) March 27, 2016
The world isn't praying for Lahore the way they prayed for Brussels and Paris. Please let's keep Lahore in our thoughts & prayers right now.
— Hana Shafi (@HanaShafi) March 27, 2016
Half as many died in Brussels. The difference in reaction on social media is disappointing #Lahore#Brusselshttps://t.co/6jwndX7LZ9
— prasad shinde (@prasadshinde) March 27, 2016
@BuzzFeed reaction after Brussels on Tuesday and reaction today after Pakistan #pakistan#lahore#DoubleStandardspic.twitter.com/Wf4cORxHmq
— Ishy Antiques (@ismaelkhan) March 28, 2016
Today, we are all #Lahori. #LahoreBlast is no different to #Paris and #Brussels ... #LahoreBlast#Lahore 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/rgHd3tnNYE
— Sadhna Ramklass (@SadhnaRamklass) March 27, 2016
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