SMSC

Charlie Hebdo

RIP

Twelve people died when a bloody attack was launched on the office of France's satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. The following day a policewoman was murdered by Amedy Coulibaly, who held up a Jewish supermarket killing a further four people.

The actions of these terrorists have been condemned by all faith groups and the world has joined France in solidarity.

The atrocity in Paris has given rise to debate about free speech.

Je Suis CharlieIs the slogan adopted by supporters free speech and resistance to armed threats.

Many journalists embraced the expression as a rallying cry for the freedom of self-expression.

Article 19.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and

ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

French Muslims are disgusted by the shootings in Paris but nonetheless have reasons for not embracing the slogan "I am Charlie".

For a Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad is sacred, to draw his image is a deeply offensive act.

Would you be happy if someone insulted you because of your race, religion or gender? We must respect free speech but does this give a right to offend?

Another view

As the terrorist stormed the office in Paris with guns and rocket-propelled grenades, Police officer Ahmed Merabet challenged the attackers.

Shocking footage showed Mr Merabet being executed in the street. He was a 42-year-old bicycle patrolman, who also happened to be Muslim

Tributes have poured in for the heroic officer killed in the line of duty. Under the rallying cry of 'I am Ahmed', thousands have shown solidarity

Some pointed out he died protecting those who poked fun at his religion.

I am Ahmad

Controls to Freedom of Speech

UK Racial Hatred Act 1995 – You cannot print or say racist things.

In Germany it is illegal to deny the holocaust.

Perjury –You can not lie in Court

Your views. Have a class discussion.

Should the media be allowed to print offensive images? Or should the harm and offence be taken into account?

If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind. (1978, 16)John Stuart Mill