Board members of the Global Editors Network (GEN) stand in solidarity with the victims of the shooting that took place at Charlie Hebdo in Paris on 7 January. They condemn this terrorist attack on the freedom of the press and call the worldwide news community to share their solidarity.
On 7 January, masked and armed men burst through the newsroom of Charlie Hebdo, a satirical magazine based in the French capital and killed at least 12 people. Among them were famous cartoonists Cabu, Wolinski, Charb and Tignous.
'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', said Ricardo Kirschbaum, President of the Global Editors Network. '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.'
Founded in 1969, Charlie Hebdo is well-known for its standing with freedom of expression despite the previous threats made against the publication in the past. Charlie Hebdo supported the Danish paper Jyllands-Posten after the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad in 2005.
GEN encourages you to share your sympathy with Cartooning for Peace, founded by Plantu, one of the most famous French cartoonists. On social networks, support has been exponentially growing with the use of hashtag #JeSuisCharlie, and using the picture from Charlie Hebdo's homepage.
Ricardo Kirschbaum
President, Global Editors Network, on behalf of the 24 GEN board members
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