Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland joined the Unity Rally for the victims of the Charlie Hebdo attack and for freedom of expression in Paris by invitation of President Hollande and the French government (Place de la République).
The Secretary General accepted the invitation as the chief representative of the European Convention on Human Rights which protects fundamental freedoms in Europe. Article 10 of the convention guarantees freedom of expression including media freedom.
Statement by Thorbjørn Jagland, Council of Europe Secretary General:
"I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrendous attack on innocent people at the Charlie Hebdo in Paris today.
This terrorist attack was clearly targeted to hit journalists and undermine freedom of expression. It was an outrageous attack on our democratic and European values. It is another example of the threatening radicalization of our societies, which we must resolutely resist.
Europe's governments and institutions, including the Council of Europe, have to take all possible action to better protect journalists and media freedom in future.
I extend my condolences to the people of France and especially to the victims' families and friends."
The Council of Europe held a commemorative ceremony to honour the victims on Friday 9 January at 10.30 am, on the forecourt of the Palais de l’Europe.
Statement by Anne Brasseur, President of the Parliamentary Assembly:
"I am deeply shocked at today’s terrorist attack at the Paris offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, said Anne Brasseur, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
"My thoughts are with the victims of this horrendous act, and particularly with the families of the dead, journalists and policemen. I hope that the killers will be brought to justice swiftly.”
“While details are still emerging, there is little doubt this was a frontal attack on freedom of expression, one of the most precious of the principles upheld by the Council of Europe."
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