Demo to be held in Sofia in solidarity with Charlie Hebdo and freedom of speech

Residents of Sofia have been invited by the Association of Francophone Journalists to attend a gathering to express condolences and solidarity with the staff of Charlie Hebdo and in defence of freedom of speech throughout the world.

The gathering is to be held on January 8 2015 at 6pm outside the French Institute in the Bulgarian capital city’s Slaveikov Square.

Floral tributes and pens and pencils have been laid outside the French embassy in Sofia, as France held a day of national mourning for those murdered in the terrorist attack in Paris on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

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A book of condolences has been opened at the embassy in Oborishte Street.

Among signatories on January 8 was the Speaker of Bulgaria’s National Assembly, Tsetska Tsacheva, who also handed the French ambassador letters to the presidents of the French national assembly and senate.

The journalists of Charlie Hebdo, who paid with their lives, gave an example that in today’s world, reason is in a constant struggle for human dignity, a campaign against tyranny and fanaticism, and for the defence of freedom, democracy and enlightenment, Tsacheva said in her condolences.

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“After the pain and suffering comes reflection. And the belief that the world democratic community must be more strong, resolute and united in the fight against terrorism,” Tsacheva said in her letter to her French counterparts.

Staff of public broadcaster Bulgarian National Television demonstrate solidarity with Charlie Hebdo colleagues. Photo: BNT
Staff of public broadcaster Bulgarian National Television demonstrate solidarity with Charlie Hebdo colleagues. Photo: BNT

(Main photo: Clive Leviev-Sawyer)

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