Around 100 people gathered at the Brian Clough Statue in Nottingham’s Market Square last night to remember those killed in the terrorist attack at the offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday.
Locals, students and those from the creative industries were amongst those in attendence who came to pay their respects for those who lost their lives. A minute silence was held and placards with the ‘Nous Somme Charlie’ tagline were displayed.
Tony Bates, local businessman and the organiser of the vigil told Impact: “The only reason I have done this is because no one else did. I felt last night that when I watching the news that the worse it got, the more outraged I was.
“This event also says that freedom of speech isn’t dead – you won’t kill it”
“One reason was to show solidarity. I was staggered at the number of French nationals who attended – it makes me think that this could have happened to any city.
“This event also says that freedom of speech isn’t dead – you won’t kill it.”
A history student commented, “I am here because this is very important for the freedom of the press. It is an assault not only on the French people but on the whole world and on western values. I, as another journalist, condemn what is essentially an attack against freedom of speech.”
“Freedom of speech is not something that you should have to die for, it should be a basic right for all of us”
Another student told Impact: “I am here to show respect and to show solidarity to those who died yesterday, what happened yesterday was disgusting and cowardly. I think it’s important that we show our respect to those who died, freedom of speech is not something that you should have to die for, it should be a basic right for all of us.”
Caroline Chan
Image and research: David Collomb
