A call from "Charlie Hebdo" and 100 media for freedom of expression

The front page of Charlie Hebdo for the start of the trial of the January 2015 attacks -

Newspapers, magazines, television channels and radio stations: nearly a hundred media published an open letter on Wednesday calling on the French to mobilize in favor of freedom of expression, in support of

which is the subject of new threats since the republication of the Muhammad cartoons.

“Following the republication of the Muhammad cartoons on September 2, 2020,

is once again threatened by terrorist organizations.

Threats which constitute a real provocation in the midst of the trial of the January 2015 attacks. Threats which go far beyond Charlie since they also target all the media and even the President of the Republic ”, deplores Riss,

director

.

"It seemed necessary to us to suggest to the media to reflect on the collective response which deserved to be given to this situation", he continues, without specifying the nature of the threats.

While the trial of the attack which left 12 people dead on January 7, 2015, the human resources director of the weekly, Marika Bret, assured at the beginning of the week that she had to be exfiltrated from her home because of threats considered serious.

"Historic mobilization"

"Thanks to a historic mobilization of the French media, by publishing all together this letter to our fellow citizens today, we wish to send a powerful message to defend our conception of freedom of expression but, well beyond, of freedom of all French citizens ”, affirms the director of the weekly, which publishes this letter in one Wednesday.

“Today, in 2020, some of you are threatened with death on social media when you present unique opinions.

Media are openly identified as targets by international terrorist organizations.

States are exerting pressure on French journalists 'guilty' of having published critical articles ”, regrets the open letter entitled“ Together, let's defend Liberty ”.

“It is the entire legal edifice developed over more than two centuries to protect your freedom of expression that is under attack, as never before for seventy-five years.

And this time with new totalitarian ideologies, sometimes claiming to be inspired by religious texts, ”the text continues.

" We need you.

Of your mobilization.

From the rampart of your consciences.

The enemies of freedom must understand that we are all together their resolute adversaries, whatever our differences of opinion or beliefs ”, call the signatories (national and regional press, main television channels, weeklies and radio stations. ).

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