OSCE media freedom representative strongly condemns horrific attack at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo

VIENNA, 7 January 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović strongly condemned a terrorist attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris today that left at least 12 dead of which 10 are Charlie Hebdo staff, including cartoonists Charb, Cabu, Tignous and Wolinski. Several people were wounded.

“This is an unprecedented attack on media freedom and freedom of expression," Mijatović said. “My condolences go to the families and colleagues of the victims.”

At least two gunmen entered the editorial offices and opened fire before fleeing. Swift condemnation and reaction came from top French authorities.

This is the deadliest attack in the history of the French press and the third attack on French newspapers in recent years. The offices of Charlie Hebdo were also fire bombed in 2011. In November 2013 a gunman opened fire in the offices of the newspaper Libération.

The public statement by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on the attack at Libération is available at //www.osce.org/fom/108454.

The public statement by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on the 2011 attack on Charlie Hebdo is available at //www.osce.org/fom/84706.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.