OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General condemn terrorist attack on French magazine Charlie Hebdo, offer condolences

BELGRADE / VIENNA, 7 January 2015 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier expressed their outrage today at the terrorist attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, condemning the massacre as an attack on the freedom of expression.

“I am deeply shocked by the news about the attack on the Paris office of Charlie Hebdo that cost the lives of several people and wounded many others,” said Dačić.

“Violence against journalists is unacceptable and should be treated as an attack against society as a whole. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations can never be tolerated or justified,” he added.

“I offer my condolences to the bereaved and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.”

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, also offering his condolences, said: “I strongly condemn this act of violence against media freedom resulting in the death and injury of many people. Today’s attack also highlights the importance of fostering tolerance and non-discrimination in our societies as a way to counter violent extremism and radicalization that leads to terrorism."