Norwegian PEN condemns terrorist attack against French satirical magazine in Paris
PRESS RELEASE
Norwegian PEN condemns terrorist attack against Frenchsatirical magazine in Paris
Norwegian PEN condemns today’s terrorist attack against the satiricalmagazine Charlie Hebdo in which 12people are reported killed.
«This is a gross attack on freedom of expression which is the core of our democracies,» says Norwegian PENPresident William Nygaard. He adds that it is also an attack on the free press andfree journalism and it is important that the terrorist attack does not lead to self-censorship.
Asked by the daily Dagbladet whethersomething similar could happen in Norway, says Norwegian PEN Secretary General, Carl Morten Iversen: «This demonstrates that one apparently is not safe anywhere. It is extremely discouraging. I have no other information about this than what can be read in online newspapers, but this magazine has been previously attacked.»
So far there is no one who is detained or has assumed responsibility for the terrorist attack.«It is important now to confirm who is behind the attack and to act with prudence,» saysWilliam Nygaard and adds: «Ethnic diverse and complex societies in Europe must, in such a situation, emphasize unity, not siunity as the attackers probably want. The media will play an important role in this regard. «
Oslo 7 January 2015
