The General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalist spoke at the the solidarity event organised in honour of victims of Charlie Hebdo’s attack. The event was organised jointly by the IFJ and the European Federation of Journalists at the International Press Centre , Residence Palace. The following is the full statement delivered by General Secretary Beth Costa:

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear colleagues,

Good morning and thank you very much for coming to express your solidarity with our colleagues who were killed in yesterday’s appalling attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris.

Twelve people lost their lives, including ten journalists and media workers.

Today, we stand here to remember them and show our solidarity with their families and colleagues. Their loss is ours, too.

Today, we are all Charlie in our thought but, as journalists, we very much share the reason for which they were targeted. Those bullets were also meant for all of us who stand up for press freedom.

The lasting memory of yesterday will no doubt be the shock horror we all felt at the sheer violence. But, I hope we can also look back at the incredible show of solidarity and defiance among journalists not to bow to intimidation. We are NOT AFRAID!

We should also take heart from the massive support and outpouring of sympathy and goodwill from ordinary members of the public whom we serve.

That is what Charlie Hedbo needs to overcome this devastating blow and get back on its feet. It is what we all need to stand up for journalism in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Thank you