Following the attack on the editorial offices of the French weekly Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday, 7 January we will be replacing our regularly scheduled news round-up with statements of solidarity, support and perseverance that have emanated from Europe’s political leaders and media associations in the last days.
Freedom of expression is the hallmark of a democratic society, and in the aftermath of this tragic event journalists across the world have rallied behind France, declaring that they, too, will not be silenced. But as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, sensitivities have amplified to the extent that it is nearly impossible to write anything subjective without causing offense.
Perhaps this is what I, personally, admire about the Charlie Hebdo team: they courageously remained undeterred by the threats their controversial cartoons unleashed upon them. They were equal-opportunity satirists – nothing was off-limits but they also were not unaware of the risks that this stance potentially held.
The impact of the attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices will not just be the immediate feelings of anger, grief and shock that swept through the world in the last few days. Rather, it will be the presence of this event in the back of the minds of all editors, journalists, publishers and cartoonists when they make the decision to report on controversial issues. And while the cries of unity echo in many of the cities across the world – “Je suis Charlie” – it is up to the survivors to ensure that silence and self-censorship don’t prevail.
#JeSuisCharlie from EMMA - European Magazine Media on Vimeo.
Europe Reacts:
François Hollande, President of France
“At such times, we must stand together as one, show that we are a united country and that we can react properly, with firmness, but always with concern for national unity.”Joel Simon, Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists
“We are shocked and saddened by the horrific violence perpetrated against the weekly Charlie Hebdo-one of the deadliest media attacks ever documented by CPJ. Around the world, journalists working in their own countries are targeted and killed because of what they publish or broadcast. An attack of this nature in Paris shows that the threat to journalists and free expression is global, with no safe haven.”Donald Tusk, President of the European Council
“The European Union stands side by side with France after this atrocious act. It is a brutal attack against our fundamental values, against freedom of expression which is a pillar of our democracy.”Beth Costa, General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists
“Today, we are all Charlie in our thoughts but, as journalists, we very much share the reason for which they were targeted. Those bullets were also meant for all of us who stand up for press freedom.”Mogens Blicher Bjerregaard, President of the European Federation of Journalists
“This is not only an attack on journalists but also an attack on the freedom of the media. Journalists today are facing greater dangers and threats.”Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission
“I am profoundly shocked by the brutal and inhumane attack which struck the Charlie Hebdo premises. This is an intolerable and barbaric act which concerns us all as human beings and Europeans. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I wish to express, in my own name and in the name of the European Commission, our greatest solidarity with France.”Press Statement, Syndicat National des Journalistes (French journalists’ union)
“The massacre perpetrated against the editorial staff of Charlie Hebdo is a horror that strikes at us all. When journalists are killed, it is done to make an entire profession feel fear; it is done to silence. Attacking a newspaper is an attempt to muzzle the freedom of expression that exists in a democracy.”François Ryckmans, President of the Belgian Association of Journalists
“I am impressed by the spontaneous mobilisation of civil society. I am impressed by the commitment of journalists who did not give in to fear and hatred. This is the best response to such a horrific act of terror. We, as journalists, stand together to show our commitment to freedom. The freedom of all citizens is at stake, not just the freedom of the press.”Richard Charkin, President of the International Publishers Association
“[T]he attack on Charlie Hebdo is an attack on publishers’ core values: freedom of expression, freedom to publish and the right to criticise and polemicise. IPA calls on all publishers, authors, journalists and cartoonists to stand together and defend these values. We are all Charlie Hebdo.”Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy
“Violence will always lose out against freedom.”Ricardo Kirschbaum, President of the Global Editors Network
“It is our duty to stay strong and united against all acts of violence and terrorism committed against journalists and the freedom of the press. All my thoughts are with the families of the victims. As journalists, it is our duty to resist against all threats to democracy, and continue fighting for freedom of speech. Cartoonists, as well as other journalists should be able to work without threats.”Press Statement, Federation of European Publishers
“Killing authors, their colleagues and those who were protecting them is an act of extreme cowardice.”Carine Nevejans, President of Distripress
“We join the global outrage at this atrocity and see this as not only being a brutal and cowardly act against the French publisher and its innocent staff but as an attack on freedom of the press generally. Distripress members want to express their shock at this barbaric act and to send their sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families.”Press Statement, Association of European Radios
“Commercial radios in Europe condemn with vigor the barbarian acts perpetrated yesterday in Charlie Hebdo’s offices and solemnly repeat: freedom of expression cannot be questioned, it is an essential element of our democratic societies.”Vincent Montagne, President of the French publishers association SNE
“We are profoundly shocked by today’s murderous attack against authors, journalists and cartoonists. Barbarism and fanaticism will not have the last word”.David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
“The murders in Paris are sickening. We stand with the French people in the fight against terror and defending the freedom of the press.”Press Statement, Polish Chamber of Press Publishers
“Editors and publishers fulfil a public mission connected with communicating information, views and opinions. Under no circumstances, the fulfilment of this mission can be undermined by any act of aggression nor can it make any concessions to aggression.”Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Prime Minister of Denmark
“Completely defenceless and innocent people became the victims of what appears to be an attack on free speech. The French society, like ours, is open, democratic and based on a free and critical press. Those are values that are deeply rooted in all of us, and which we shall protect. “It is also those very values that make France a strong society that can withstand an attack like this.”Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament
“We are profoundly shocked by this heinous crime which is an affront to civilised society and we unreservedly condemn such violence.
As Europeans we must never surrender the values which are so close to our hearts and which this act has sought to undermine: the freedom of the press and of expression, tolerance, and mutual respect.
This is a moment of profound sadness which requires a dignified and clear response. Whatever our opinions or religious beliefs we must stand strong and united against such violent acts. I call on all citizens to defend together the values we cherish.”Press Statement, European Newspaper Publishers’ Association
“This atrocity is an attack on freedom of expression and press freedom, which is a core principle and pillar of European democracy. ENPA and all its members are appalled by this assault and remain united in the face of any threat to journalists and press publishers carrying out their daily role of informing citizens and fostering public debate.”Dalil Boubakeur, Head of the French Muslim Council
“We absolutely condemn such an act and we look forward to the authorities meting out justice. The [Muslim] community is dumbfounded by what has happened.”Press Statement, Syndicat National des Journalistes (French Journalists’ Union)
“The massacre perpetrated against the editorial staff of Charlie Hebdo is a horror that strikes at us all. When journalists are killed, it is done to make an entire profession feel fear; it is done to silence. Attacking a newspaper is an attempt to muzzle the freedom of expression that exists in a democracy.”Ricardo Gutiérrez, General Secretary of the European Federation of Journalists
“We need to stand together to show the perpetrator that we will not give in and we will continue our job to tell the truth.”Press Statement, Syndicat des éditeurs de la presse magazine (SEPM)
“Le syndicat des éditeurs de la presse magazine exprime sa plus grande indignation, sa vive émotion, et sa solidarité vis à vis des équipes de Charlie Hebdo. Elles paient un tribut inacceptable à la défense de la presse d’opinion, du débat démocratique et de la libre pensée, remparts immuables contre la barbarie.”Angela Merkel, German Chancellor
“I was shocked to learn of the despicable attack on the newspaper in Paris. I would like to express to you and your compatriots in this hour of suffering the sympathy of the German people as well my own sorrow, and convey my condolences to the victims’ loved ones.”Press Statement, Online News Association
“Yesterday’s murders at the magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris were not just an attack on journalism, they were yet another declaration of open warfare on free speech.”
