UNPO views today’s attack on Charlie Hebdo as a despicable attack on the freedom of speech and an attempt to target the free press. This is not the first time that Charlie Hebdo has been targeted, and it shows the strong need for society as a whole to stand united in support for the political right to free speech, and other civil liberties, and to condemn these types of atrocious acts of violence, which serve as a destructive force to peace, stability and democracy.

The freedom of speech and freedom of expression are two vital components of any democratic society as they guarantee an open exchange of information, opinions and ideas. The media plays an important part in the exercise of these freedoms by independently and freely reporting, analyzing, evaluating, as well as critiquing all aspects of society. This unfortunate attack on Charlie Hebdo was another horrific attempt to silence individuals working to promote increased transparency with their bold take on current political developments and social affairs.

UNPO strongly condemns all acts of violence and attempts to suppress human and democratic rights. UNPO firmly believes that journalists must be allowed to do their jobs without fear or threat of violence. 

Our condolences go out to the families and friends of the journalists and police officers who were killed in today's heartless attack.

"Those who comment through satire are peculiarly bold, more so than those who deploy argument. Ridicule is the most devastating and wounding of weapons. It reaches parts of the political and personal psyche that reason cannot touch. It is one of democracy’s most effective weapons." - Simon Jenkins, The Guardian

Photo courtesy of: Charlie Hebdo@Twitter