Paris: mass demonstration in support of tolerance

On Sunday, 11 in January, dozens of state leaders, along with hundreds of thousands of other demonstrators, took part in a mass demonstration in the center of Paris, held after the recent terrorist attacks - the worst in many decades.

Republic Square in the center of Paris was a whole sea of ​​people. There were so many of them that in order to advance a few centimeters, it would take half an hour. Everywhere there were signs in support of freedom of speech, democracy and multiculturalism. On many banners, it was just written “I am Charly” - in memory of the twelve dead, who were victims of an attack on the editorial board of the weekly “Charly Ebdo” last Wednesday.

The attack, as well as two other attacks, in which a police officer and four hostages were captured by an attacker in a kosher grocery store, were carried out by Islamists.

Among the many Muslims who participated in the demonstration against militant Islamism, was Mamun Abdelali - an imam from one of the districts of Paris. In his speech, he stressed: the terrorists did not avenge the prophet Mohammed, but insulted him.

Another Muslim woman, 17-year-old Amina Tajuri, was holding a Jewish newspaper, on the front page of which was written: "I am a Jew, I am Charly."

“I’m here to say that we don’t support the attackers,” said Amina. - We are absolutely against it - both Jews and Muslims; we will not allow people to be killed for it. Everyone has the right to speak, everyone is allowed to say what he wants ... And long live France! ”

Dozens of state leaders, including Israel, the Palestinian Authority and African countries, as well as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and French President Francois Hollande took part in the march, albeit briefly. On the same day, US Secretary of Justice Eric Holder took part in a meeting of ministers of the interior and justice of European countries, which was held in the French capital and at which actions to combat terrorism were discussed.

During the demonstration, unprecedented security measures were taken. Several thousand police and military personnel were involved.

The attacks in Paris were the bloodiest in the history of France. They shook many. Including - teacher Edith Gaudin.

“I am fed up with all the hatred that exists in the world,” said Gauden. - I can not stand when people hate each other. It's not just about freedom of speech. I want people to live in peace with each other and accept each other as they are, despite all the differences. ”

True, not all advocate for reconciliation. Franklin Bulo admits that he fears Islam.

According to Bulo, Muslims are seeking to destroy French society and kill the French.

The French authorities do not exclude the possibility of new terrorist attacks. Hundreds of Frenchmen joined the ranks of the Islamists in the Middle East. One of the attackers was trained in Islamist camps. The police are looking for the main suspect - 26-year-old girlfriend of one of the attackers. It is reported that she could leave the country before the attack and is now in Syria.

Lisa bryant

"Voice of America"