NEW YORK – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, has strongly condemned the ”appalling and cold-blooded crime” committed by terrorists who attacked the French magazine ‘Charlie Hebdo’, which left 10 media workers and two police officers dead.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
“I am appalled and deeply shocked by the attack against Charlie Hebdo in Paris on Wednesday.
“This act of violence can in no way be justified, this is an attack against freedom of expression and freedom of the press, the two pillars of democracy,’’ Ban said.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
In a remark he delivered on a visit to the offices of the UN Correspondents Association (UNCA) at the UN headquarters in New York, he extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
He also expressed his solidarity with the government and people of France and said he trusted the French authorities to do all in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice quickly.
“This horrific attack is meant to divide; we must not fall into that trap. This is a moment for solidarity.
“Around the world, we must stand strong for freedom of expression and tolerance and stand against forces of division and hate,’’ Ban added.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
Also, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Al Hussein, described the attack as appalling and ruthless, while underlining the importance of arresting and punishing those responsible.
“If this attack is allowed to feed discrimination and prejudice, it will be playing straight into the hands of extremists whose clear aim is to divide religions and societies.
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“With xenophobia and anti-migrant sentiments already on the rise in Europe, I am very concerned that this awful, calculated act will be exploited by extremists of all sorts,’’ Al Hussen said.
He also stressed that freedom of expression and opinion were cornerstones of any democratic society and that those trying to divide communities on grounds of religion and ethnicity must not be allowed to succeed.
On her part, Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), said she was horrified by the attack against the media and against freedom of expression.
In a statement, Bokova said she was horrified by the incident, which was more than a “personal tragedy” and which provided more motivation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“UNESCO is more determined than ever to protect the free and independent press, and the international community cannot let extremists sow terror and prevent the free flow of opinions and ideas,’’ she said.
She disclosed that UNESCO had lowered its flag to half-mast at its Paris headquarters in solidarity with France, and in respect for those killed and injured.
Bokova also paid homage to the 12 victims of the attack, including four renowned cartoonists, Georges Wolinski, Jean Cabut (Cabu), Bernard Verlhac (Tignous) and Stephane Charbonnier (Charb). (PANA/NAN)
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