“I would rather die standing than live on my knees”
The January 7, 2015the writing of Charlie Hebdo is hit by a terrorist attack which costs the lives of 12 peopledont Charb, Cabu, Wolinski and Tignous. The two attackers, claiming to beAl-Qaidawanted to silence a newspaper whose only weapon was the pencil.
From the evening of the tragedy, tv78 (then tvfil78) broadcasts a special edition entitled “I am Charlie”. At the opening, these striking words: “I would rather die than live on my knees. » — Stéphane Charbonnierthis Charbassassinated on January 7, 2015.
Yvelines touched in the heart
This drama takes on a strong local dimension. Charbdirector of Charlie Hebdowas born in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. Then the January 8, 2015the policewoman Clarisse Jean-Philippeoriginally from Careers-sous-Poissywas murdered at Montrouge by another terrorist.
In the special edition of tv78dedicated to the attack against Charlie Hebdothe journalist Patrice Carmouze expressed with emotion. Upset by the disappearance of Charbwhom he knew personally, it highlights his courage and his unwavering commitment to freedom of expression.
“It’s between sadness and anger. A great sadness, because I knew Charb very well, we had worked together. He was someone full of humor, full of intelligence, a very courageous guy. He continued despite the threats, despite the attacks, to do the job he believed he had to do: defend freedom. »
Faced with emotion, General Council of Yvelines also reacts. Pierre Bedierits president, then recalls the importance of freedom of expression and cites Voltaire :
“I don’t agree with what you say, but I will fight to the end so that you can say it. »
A historic mobilization: 4 million French people in the streets
The January 11, 2015, 4 million French people take to the streets to defend the freedom of speech. Among them, 10,000 people in Rambouillet.
A report from tv78 by Mélanie Poquet, shot that day, captures the emotion:
“We are entering into resistance so that our freedoms can be saved. »
Many young people are present, accompanied by their parents, to transmit republican values. Some even take up the pencil in homage to the murdered cartoonists.
Another Charlie trial: the 2020 chopper attack
While France commemorates the 10 years since the attackand new terrorist trial opens this January 6, 2025.
The case dates back to September 25, 2020when a 25-year-old Pakistani, Zaheer Mahmoodattack two people with a chopper in front of the former premises of Charlie Hebdo. Thinking of attacking journalists, he actually hits two employees of the Premières Lignes press agencywho survive despite serious injuries.
Six men appear before the Assize Court. The main assailant risks life imprisonment.
10 years later, the fight continues
Ten years later, the tributes remain intact. Of the official ceremonies are being held this week at Parisin the presence of the President Emmanuel Macron.
In a special issue, Charlie Hebdo reaffirms its commitment:
“The desire to laugh will never disappear. » — crackdirector of Charlie Hebdo.
This anniversary issue, entitled “Laughter of God”intends to remind that humor and satire are essential forms of resistance.
Ten years later, the sentence of Charb still resonates:
Freedom of expression, attacked on January 7, 2015continues to be defended, in France and around the world.
Sources :
- tv78special edition “I am Charlie”January 7, 2015.
- tv78reportage “Je suis Charlie: 10,000 people in the city of Gérard Larcher”January 11, 2015.
- General Council of Yvelinescommuniqué “We are all Charlie”January 13, 2015.
- France Info, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine attackOctober 17, 2020.
- Euronews, Charlie Hebdo attack: ten years ago, alreadyJanuary 6, 2025.
- Reuters, Charlie Hebdo marks 10th anniversary with special editionJanuary 6, 2025.
- 20 Minutes, Chopper attack targeting Charlie Hebdo: the “other” “Charlie” trialJanuary 6, 2025.
