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Copenhagen shooting: IFJ/EFJ stand united with Danish citizens in refusing intimidation
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and European Federation of journalists (EFJ) strongly condemn the shooting which took place Saturday in Copenhagen where a debate on free speech was being held. One civilian has been killed and three police officers injured after armed men opened fire on Krudttønden meeting place. The title of the meeting was: “Art, Blasphemy and Freedom of Expression”.
The meeting was attended by Lars Vilks, the controversial Swedish artist who has faced death threats for caricaturing the prophet Muhammad. François Zimeray, the French ambassador to Denmark, was also participating to the debate, as keynote speaker. Neither Vilks nor Zimeray were injured, but at least one citizen was killed in the attack.
IFJ/EFJ condemn this crime against freedom of expression and a free and open dialogue in our democracies. "The European journalists’ unions and associations stand united with Danish citizens in refusing intimidation and upholding the right to a free and open debate without fear", said Mogens Blicher Bjerregård, president of the EFJ.