In remembering the Charlie Hebdo attack we must not forget the responsibility that goes with free speech

On 11 January 2015, unity marches were held across France following terrorist attacks which killed 17 people in Paris, including an attack on the headquarters of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. One of the key debates to have taken place since the attacks has focused on the issue of free speech, given the controversial nature of some of the material published by the magazine. Tariq Modood argues that while there is clearly no possible justification for the violence that took place, there is nevertheless an important responsibility which accompanies free speech and we should stop short of celebrating images that reinforce social divisions.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Shootings at headquarters of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, deaths reported http://www.europeansources.info/record/shootings-at-headquarters-of-french-satirical-magazine-charlie-hebdo-deaths-reported/

ESO: Background information: Paris welcomes world leaders for mass unity rally, under high security http://www.europeansources.info/record/paris-welcomes-world-leaders-for-mass-unity-rally-under-high-security-unprecedented-turnout-at-unity-march-brings-paris-to-a-standstill/

Blog: LSE EuroppBlog, 14.01.15: There is far more to free speech than the right to be offensive http://bit.ly/1ya2bVx

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