Cowardice Assault on Free Speech Condemned

Freedom Forum, with deep grief, vehemently condemns the brutal late-morning shooting at the offices of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris- the cowardice attack on free speech-, on Wednesday. The incident of lethal attack in which 12 people including publisher, cartoonists and chief editor of the media outlet were massacred is a brazen assault on Freedom of expression and democracy. A group of armed gunmen burst into media outlet office and launched attacks for allegedly outraging Muslims with cartoons of the prophet Mohammed. "The militant attack on free speech practitioners in French soil has hurt the sentiments of all those who have belief on people's right to freely deliver and disseminate ideas and expressions", said Taranath Dahal, Chairperson of Freedom Forum. Mr Dahal, also the General Secretary of International Press Institute (IPI) Nepal Chapter expressed solidarity for the condemnation of heinous crime against media and support to the fight for the right of free expression across the globe. The disgusting attack has spread a shockwave among the Freedom of expression practitioners and activists from across the world. It is the reflection of attack on free speech throughout the planet. Freedom Forum extends deep condolence to the bereaved family members, well-wishers and Freedom of expression activists and extends tribute to the departed souls. Also, the FF expresses solidarity to all institutions and people across the globe, which are sympathizing, and grieved at over the gruesome attack on Paris media. For More Information Freedom Forum Thapathali, Kathmandu Post Box No: 24292 Phone No. 4102030, 4102022 Website: www.freedomforum.org.np | www.nepalpressfreedom.org Email: info@freedomforum.org.np | monitoring@freedomforum.org.np