Media release
(Brussels, 8.1.2015) Over 200 Brussels-based journalists and supporters
gathered together at the International Press Centre at 11.00am today to pay
tribute to victims of the Charlie Hebdo shooting in Paris.
“Today, we are all Charlie in our thoughts but, as journalists, we very much
share the reason for which they were targeted. Those bullets were also meant
for all of us who stand up for press freedom,” said Beth Costa, General
Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) before the
minute of silence was observed.
At the gathering, fellow journalists and participants held the “Je Suis
Charlie” signs in support of those journalists, media workers and victims
killed in the terrible attack.
It has now been confirmed that seven journalists and three media workers were
murdered, along with two other victims. (see below list)
Ricardo Gutiérrez, General Secretary of the European Federation of Journalists
(EFJ), read out the names of the twelve victims and added, “We need to stand
together to show the perpetrator that we will not give in and we will continue
our job to tell the truth.”
"I am impressed by the spontaneous mobilisation of civil society. I am
impressed by the commitment of journalists who did not give in to fear and
hatred. This is the best response to such a horrific act of terror. We, as
journalists, stand together to show our commitment to freedom. The freedom of
all citizens is at stake, not just the freedom of the press,” said François
Ryckmans, President of the Belgian Association of Journalists (AJP).
IFJ and EFJ affiliates across the world have sent in solidarity messages to
express their condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
From noon today, the IFJ, EFJ and their French affiliates (SNJ, SNJ-CGT and
CFDT) are holding a ceremony in front of the office of Charlie Hebdo.
The twelve victims of the Charlie Hebdo shooting are:
1. Bernard Verlhac, (known as Tignous), cartoonist
2. Bernard Maris, (known as Uncle Bernard), economist and cartoonist
3. Elsa Cayat, a psychoanalyst and essayist
4. Georges Wolinski, cartoonist
5. Jean Cabut, (known as Cabu), cartoonist
6. Moustapha Ourrad, copy editor
7. Philippe Honoré, (known as Honoré), cartoonist
8. Stephane Charbonnier (known as Charb), cartoonist
9. Franck Brinsolaro, private body guard/media worker
10. Michel Renaud, visitor and former director to the Mayor Clermont’s office
11. Frédéric Boisseau, janitor
12. Ahmed Merabet, police officer
For
more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 17
The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries
