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Berlin Shows Solidarity for Victims of Paris Attack

Berlin Meeting for Charlie Hebdo Victims in Front of the French Embassy

January 17th, 2015
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Around 18,000 people gathered in front of the French embassy, next to the Brandenburg Gate, in Berlin to support France and its free press following the terror attack on satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

About 18,000 people joined a vigil in central Berlin mourning victims of the Islamist attacks in Paris. The crowd gathered at 2pm on January 12th, in front of the French embassy opposite the Brandenburg Gate landmark in a rally organised on social media and supported by the French embassy.

Even though the vast majority were French citizens, many former residents of Paris or with relatives in the French capital, there were a lot of people from all over the world who came to support the freedom of expression. Many carried signs bearing the legend « Je suis Charlie » (I am Charlie), which has become the slogan of those expressing their support.

While there were brief outbreaks of chanting « Long live freedom of the press » and « long live caricature », the majority of the evening passed off quietly as demonstrators held candles and talked amongst themselves.

Furthermore, embassy workers could be seen at the windows of the building watching the demonstration, while Ambassador Philippe Etienne joined the crowd and talked with participants.

Berlin politicians, including mayor Michael Müller, expressed their sympathy with France throughout the day, while the President of the city assembly Ralf Wieland joined the crowd on the square to show his support. A condolence book opened at the France embassy Thursday, january 8th. 2015.

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References and Links

News from Berlin
Berlin Global