Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel expressed his government’s sincere condolences to French President Francois Hollande, to the families of the victims, and to the French people, after the attack on the editorial staff of Charlie Hebdo, which resulted in 12 people, including 2 policemen, being killed. MR President Olivier Chastel tweeted that he was “deeply shocked by the massacre that took place at the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo.” “My thoughts go out to the relatives of the victims and I want to express my support.”
PS President Elio Di Rupo is “terribly upset by the horrible drama which took place at Charlie Hebdo. My thoughts are with the families of the victims.”
The cdH party expressed its “solidarity with the victims, journalists, policemen and the French people. More than ever, we need to fight for freedom of expression.”
A press release from Ecolo co-Presidents Emily Hoyos and Olivier Deleuze shared their “profound sadness, and solidarity with the journalists and the staff at Charlie Hebdo, as well as with the families and friends of the policemen who were shot.” “By attacking a press institution, the perpetrators of this abject act targeted not just men and women, but a fundamental democratic value, freedom of the press. This cherished freedom of expression is a much needed beacon in the daily fight against every type of barbarity and obscurantism.”
Brussels Alderman Yvan Majeur is “horrified and outraged by the murders at Charlie Hebdo and the attack on freedom.” “Brussels feels solidarity with Paris,” tweeted the Alderman to Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris.
As for the Flanders government, the Interior Minister Jan Jambon “is lost for words in the face of these terrorist acts.”
“Attacking the free press is like attacking democracy. It’s unacceptable and shocking. Sincere condolences to all concerned,” tweeted Flanders Prime Minister Kris Peeters.
(Source: Belga)
