The Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom condemns the murderous attack on France's satirical Charlie Hebdo, and the killing of its journalists

OTTAWA, Jan. 7, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom condemns the murderous attack on France's satirical Charlie Hebdo, and the killing of its journalists.

The CCWPF espouses the freedom of expression as a fundamental right, to be defended against government edict, or religious and political extremism.

Each year, the committee hosts an International Editorial Cartoon competition which celebrates the tradition of pointed commentary on public issues through cartooning. In 2010, the competition theme was 'the right not to be offended is not a right," calling attention to threats against  journalists accused of blasphemy.

CCWPF joins colleagues from across the world in urging resistance to extremist threats that would silence criticism. 

And we offer our sincere condolences to the people of France, and especially the family and friends of the Charlie Hebdo victims.

SOURCE Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom

Shawn McCarthy, President, Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom, 613 294-4491