PARIS (European Federation of Journalists/Pacific Media Watch): The massacre that took place today at the premises of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris is a barbaric act of violence against journalists and media freedom, says the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ).
According to the latest media reports, 12 people were killed in the shooting; among them were nine journalists (including three cartoonists and the chief editor, also a cartoonist) and two were policemen.
Media reported that at least two armed, hooded gunmen took part in the shooting at the office of Charlie Hebdo.
The EFJ has expressed its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
Mogens Blicher Bjerregaard, the EFJ president, will travel to Paris to honour the victims.
The EFJ has condemned this barbaric act of violence against journalists and media freedom. It has called on the French authorities to make every effort to punish this horrific crime.
"This is not only an attack on journalists but also an attack on the freedom of the media. Journalists today are facing greater dangers and threats,” said Blicher Bjerregaard.
In 2014, 118 journalists and media workers died for doing their jobs.
In Europe, nine journalists were killed, mostly in Ukraine.
In view of this horrific attack, the EFJ reiterates its call on national governments, the European Union and intergovernmental organisations (including the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe - OSCE) to intensify their efforts in ensuring the protection of journalists in Europe.
In Auckland, Pacific Media Centre director Professor David Robie at AUT University said this was an outrageous and cowardly attack on the controversial magazine’s editorial staff and a “terrible blow against freedom of expression and press freedoms everywhere”.
“But in spite of the savagery of this attack against unarmed cartoonists and peaceful media co-workers by religious zealots, the pen will still emerge mightier than the sword. The global 'Je suis Charlie – I am Charlie' campaign is evidence of the worldwide defence of freedom of expression against tyranny,” said Dr Robie, who is also convenor of the Pacific Media Watch freedom project.
In Brisbane, the Journalism Education and Research Association of Australia (JERAA) expressed deep concern at the murder of 12 people and injury of 11 others in the Charlie Hebdo massacre.
"We extend condolences and solidarity to the friends, family and colleagues of those affected," said vice-president Dr Angela Romano.
"We continue to support freedom of expression and the right to express dissenting views about religious leaders and social matters."
Charlie Hebdo and media freedom solidarity rally
Friday, Aotea Square, Auckland, 5pm
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Pacific Media Watch
