The US-based social media giant said Saturday it had also removed all edited versions of the Friday's Christchurch massacre that do not show "graphic content".

Facebook stressed in a statement that the measure was taken "out of respect for the people affected by this tragedy".

According to the company's New Zealand office, Facebook continues "to work around the clock to remove violating content".

The violent shooting in two mosques rocked New Zealand's eastern city of Christchurch on Friday, leaving 50 killed and dozens injured. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the shooting a terrorist act, saying it was the country's "darkest day". READ MORE: NZ Media Reveal Tarrant EU Trip Details, Allege Link to Christchurch Massacre Local media reported, citing eyewitnesses, that a man wearing a helmet, glasses and an army-style jacket opened automatic fire in a mosque with an estimated 300 people inside. The gunman identified as Australian national Brenton Tarrant, 28, live streamed the massacre that instantly went viral in the social media.

Mourners pay their respects at a makeshift memorial near the Masjid Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, Saturday, March 16, 2019 ©
AP Photo / Vincent Yu Blame Anons: Media Links Imageboard to New Zealand Mosque Massacre
On Saturday, the Christchurch District court charged Tarrant with murder and ruled to remand the shooter in custody until 5 April, while the police said they expected further charges to be brought against him.
A total of four people were reportedly detained in the wake of the attack. However, New Zealand police consider that three people have no links to the attack.
According to New Zealand police commissioner, Mike Bush, following the shooting, the police detained a man and a woman after fire arms were found in their car. The woman has already been released, while the man has been charged with illegal actions associated with fire arms. A third detainee was charged with incitement to racial discrimination and he will face trial on Monday. READ MORE: What You Need to Know About Mosques Shooting in Christchurch, New ZealandSource: sputniknews.com