An unprecedented attack on free speech #JeSuisCharlie
The attack on the editorial office of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo took the lives of 12 people, among them cartoonists, columnists, and police officers. It was the worst terrorist attack in France since 1961, and the most brutal attack ever on free speech in France. The date 7 January 2015 will forever be associated with this horrific crime.
Horrendous attack on @Charlie_Hebdo_ staff.This is an attack on freedom of speech! My thoughts are with the victims & their families/RDM
— Dunja Mijatovic (@OSCE_RFoM) January 7, 2015
OSCE officials condemned the attacks as an attack on the freedom of expression, with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić saying “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations can never be tolerated or justified.”
OSCE Chairperson’s Personal Representatives on tolerance in country visit to France >> Read the full press release here
OSCE participating States issue Declaration condemning terrorist attacks in France >> Read the full press release here
OSCE Chairperson Dačić pays respects to victims of terrorist attacks during Paris rally >> Read the full press release here
OSCE media freedom representative joins unity march in Paris >> Read the full press release here
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General condemn terrorist attack on French magazine Charlie Hebdo, offer condolences >> Read the full press release here
OSCE media freedom representative strongly condemns horrific attack at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo >> Read the full press release here
OSCE PA President Ilkka Kanerva denounces heinous attack on French magazine office >> Read the full statement here
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović said that the attack reminds us that freedom of expression and freedom of the media are precious instruments in order to facilitate the dissemination and discussion of all kinds of beliefs, thoughts and creeds.
A full communique on freedom of expression and freedom of the media as a vital condition for tolerance and non-discrimination is available here.
This is the worst single attack against journalists in the OSCE region since the establishment of this Office.
The below Infographic shows countries where journalists have been killed (2004-2014):
This infographic from GlobalPost used with permission. Original article here.