More Than A Thousand Gather In Martin Place In A Vigil For Charlie Hebdo

The shocking events that took place in Paris yesterday – in which armed gunman raided the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, killing ten staff and two police officers – has been felt worldwide by French communities, the media industry, and the general public. Whilst the manhunt for those responsible for these reprehensible actions continues in France, people have been solemnly mourning those who lost their lives because they dared to write and speak freely.

In Sydney, over a thousand people turned out at Martin Place – a location already familiar with needless tragedy and the outpouring of emotion – to silently hold vigil for the twelve people who passed away, and for those injured still fighting for their lives.
At the same time that, half a world away, a minute’s silence was observed in France, so too did people in Martin Place pause in silent observance.
People across the public square held signs with the “Je Suis Charlie” slogan that’s bonded those moved by the tragedy. Christophe Lecourtier, the French ambassador to Australia, addressed the crowd stating, “Democracy is not something weak, it is something strong.
As the vigil concluded, the crowd erupted in a booming, defiant rendition of La Marseillaise, the French national anthem.
Police in France continue to sweep through villages to the northeast of Paris on the trail of two men believed to be responsible for the shootings. One man, an eighteen year old, surrendered voluntarily yesterday.
A book of condolence is available to be signed at Sydney’s French consulate from today.
Photo: Peter Parks via Getty Images.

via SMH.

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