The world of journalism has united in grief and support for French magazine Charlie Hebdo following the murder of at least 12 people by Muslim extremists in Paris yesterday. Dozens of the world’s major newspapers carried front pages expressing support for free speech. Many French newspapers called the terrorist act an attack on freedom.
Demonstrations took place in several cities, including Paris and London, while social media took up the cause of the murdered satirists. The French phrase ‘Je suis Charlie (I am Charlie) has become the watchword of public support. Four prominent satirists were killed by the gunmen.
The world’s cartoonists also responded to the attack, publishing cartoons showing horror at the attack or defiantly asserting freedom of speech and the importance of satire.
