Mongrel Mob biker gang vows to protect New Zealand mosque during Friday prayers

Members of the Waitkato Mongrel Mob have vowed to stand guard outside a New Zealand mosque as Muslims take part in the first Friday prayer since the Christchurch massacre. 

Waikato Mongrel Mob president Sonny Fatu has offered to protect Jamia Masjid Mosque in Hamilton, in New Zealand's North Island, in a supportive gesture ensuring the community can pray 'without fear.'   

The Mongrel Mob, along with various other biker gangs across the country, have stepped up to show their support in the wake of the attack, which left 50 people dead and dozens more injured.   

'We will support and assist our Muslim brothers and sisters for however long they need us,' Fatu told Stuff.

'We were contacted by a representative who tagged me in and said some of our Muslim brothers and sisters have fears for Friday during their prayer, and the question was posed whether we could be apart of the safety net for them to allow them to pray in peace without fear.'

Waikato Muslim Association president Dr Asad Mohsin said he appreciated the support they have received from 'different sections of society, different interests and dispositions.' 

He said he did not view the mob as 'gang members.'

'We value them as humans and we appreciate that they value us too,' he said. 

Mohsin, however, urged that it is important for the community to show they will not bow down to terror and has invited the gang to pray inside the mosque as opposed to standing guard outside. 

'There are no fears, and we are not scared. They don't have to stand outside the mosque, they can come inside, right behind where the sermon is given,' he told the  New Zealand Herald.