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Thu, 08 January 2015
Paris terror suspects hiding in forest northeast of Paris?
Timeline Refresh
23:33 Charlie Hebdo plans special edition as support pours in
French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo announced today it will defy its attackers and publish a special edition with a print run of a million copies next week, as a wave of public support rose up to save it from bankruptcy.
Surviving columnist Patrick Pelloux told AFP the magazine would bring out a "survivors' issue" next Wednesday to show that "stupidity will not win" after the attack on its headquarters which left 12 dead.
The newspaper's lawyer, Richard Malka, said the 60,000 copies Charlie Hebdo would normally print was being multiplied because of the massive attention worldwide brought by yesterday's bloody attack.
Malka spoke after attending a meeting of the 30 remaining staff that discussed the paper's future and how to bring out the issue.
All agreed that "the next issue has to come out -- it's the best way to pay homage to the dead and to show that they (the attackers) did not kill us off," he said.
Pelloux admitted that "It's very hard. We are all suffering, with grief, with fear, but we will do it anyway because stupidity will not win".
23:03 Silence, bells and tears for France after massacre
Office workers stood shoulder to shoulder, buses and metro trains halted, and the toll of bells and the sound of weeping broke the silence today as France honoured the 12 people massacred at Charlie Hebdo magazine.
"Charlie will be free!" cried a woman joining a crowd in front of Paris' Notre Dame cathedral a moment before noon (local time) when the country observed a national minute of silence.
Among the hundreds gathered on the ancient square, many were in tears or stood with their eyes closed, while some prayed and a long line formed to enter the cathedral for a special memorial mass.
"When you attack the press, you attack liberty," said Jean-Paul Doussin, an elderly man who removed his beret to show his respect, despite heavy rain. "You have to fight for freedom of expression."
There was also tension, with large numbers of riot police moving through Paris in vans and camouflaged soldiers with automatic rifles on guard outside some government buildings. But the main feeling in the capital was one of sadness.
At the major rail station of Saint-Lazare, staff called on travellers and workers to pause at midday. "We must stick together and save our freedom of speech," said Julie, 37, who works for the national SNCF rail company.
Another Paris icon, the Eiffel Tower, was to dim its lights at 8:00 pm.
21:19 Paris terror suspects hiding in forest northeast of Paris?
Telegraph reports:
The manager of the Abbaye hotel and restaurant in the tiny village of Longpont, where police are thought to be searching the forest for the fugitive brothers, says that he received a message from the brother of the mayor, telling him to shut his restaurant for safety and batten down the hatches.
Longpont only has 300 inhabitants and he said the village was shocked by the drama on their doorstep."There's a helicopter overhead now, but I haven't seen any police or heard any commotion," he said."But the forest around here is enormous, so if the brothers have gone in there it will be quite a hunt."
20:39 SpiceJet may get first round of investment by Jan 10
Crisis-hit SpiceJet may get the first round of its much-needed fund infusion in the next two days, while more may come in a month's time as part of an estimated USD 200 million investment plan, sources said today.
As per a capital infusion plan received by the Civil Aviation Ministry, the initial funds from an overall corpus of about USD 200 million may come in by January 10, sources said.
20:29 Attacker of Mamata's nephew shifted to Kolkata hospital
A man, who slapped Mamata Banerjee's nephew and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, was today shifted to SSKM Hospital.
Debasish Acharya was admitted to Tamluk Hospital after being thrashed by Trinamool Congress workers during a rally last Sunday in East Midnapore district's Chandipur. SSKM director Pradip Mitra said he was admitted to the rheumatology department and his medical tests would be done tomorrow.
20:12 Anti-terrorism police converge on a village northeast of Paris
News agency AFP reported that two men fitting the description of brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi are thought to be in Crepy-en-Valois, 16km from the petrol station, where there is a high police presence.
Sky's Joey Jones, who is in the village, said the picture is one of "utter confusion" and there are many rumours flying around.
19:27 Donald Trump's duh moment: When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns
A devastating tragedy, and another hard-line stream of consciousness from Donald Trump.
The property tycoon faced stark criticism on Twitter for blaming the shootings at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo on France's ban on guns.
In a series of posts, The Apprentice US presenter outlined his own ideas as to why the attack in Paris, which left 10 journalists and two police officers dead, might have taken place.
(Click on the picture to enlarge the image.)
The property tycoon faced stark criticism on Twitter for blaming the shootings at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo on France's ban on guns.
In a series of posts, The Apprentice US presenter outlined his own ideas as to why the attack in Paris, which left 10 journalists and two police officers dead, might have taken place.
(Click on the picture to enlarge the image.)
19:27 'They got threats all the time, but none thought their lives were under threat'
The partner of one of the Charlie Hebdo staff members currently receiving medical treatment for a gunshot wound has spoken to Fairfax media.
The Guardian reports that Maisie Dubosarsky, 27, had been emailing her boyfriend, Simon Fieschi, 31, just minutes before the attack.
Fieschi was shot in the shoulder, according to Fairfax, and is being kept in an induced coma.
"He liked to say that his job was to troll people,' Dubosarsky told Fairfax. "They're very cool people [at Charlie Hebdo] and they tell people to get lost."They got threats all the time but ' none of them thought that their lives were under threat. They were out in public all the time."
The Guardian reports that Maisie Dubosarsky, 27, had been emailing her boyfriend, Simon Fieschi, 31, just minutes before the attack.
Fieschi was shot in the shoulder, according to Fairfax, and is being kept in an induced coma.
"He liked to say that his job was to troll people,' Dubosarsky told Fairfax. "They're very cool people [at Charlie Hebdo] and they tell people to get lost."They got threats all the time but ' none of them thought that their lives were under threat. They were out in public all the time."
19:15 Charlie Hebdo suspect was a 'frightened man, not a radical'
French newspaper Le Parisien reporting on one of the two gunmen Cherif Kouachi, who is being hunted by police. The other suspect was identified as Said Kouachi, 34, his brother.
The third suspect Hamyd Mourad, 18, turned himself in last night.
An arrest warrant has been issued against the two who are likely to be "armed and dangerous."
According to the paper, Kouachi's past arrest on terror changes was a relief, as he was a "frightened" young man with no real commitment to radical Islam.
He remained in custody until his trial in 2008, when he began to change, according to his then lawyer. Vincent Ollivier describes his client looking "withdrawn... he was not himself." Ollivier goes onto wonder if jail had created "time bombs".
The third suspect Hamyd Mourad, 18, turned himself in last night.
An arrest warrant has been issued against the two who are likely to be "armed and dangerous."
According to the paper, Kouachi's past arrest on terror changes was a relief, as he was a "frightened" young man with no real commitment to radical Islam.
He remained in custody until his trial in 2008, when he began to change, according to his then lawyer. Vincent Ollivier describes his client looking "withdrawn... he was not himself." Ollivier goes onto wonder if jail had created "time bombs".
18:23 One million print run for next week's Charlie Hebdo edition
The lawyer for Charlie Hebdo, Richard Malka, tells AFP news agency that next week's edition of the magazine will have a print run of one million - it normally prints 60,000. It will also be half the length at eight pages.
Pic: And on France's motorways, Je Suis Charlie
Pic: And on France's motorways, Je Suis Charlie
17:56 Charlie Hebdo suspects rob food, petrol; may be heading to Paris
The two main suspects in the attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris are said to have robbed a service station in the north of France, reports the BBC. They stole food and petrol, firing shots as they struck at the roadside stop near Villers-Cotterets, in the Aisne region, French media report.
They are said to have driven off in the direction of Paris in a Renault Clio car, apparently the same vehicle hijacked in Paris soon after the Charlie Hebdo attack.
They are said to have driven off in the direction of Paris in a Renault Clio car, apparently the same vehicle hijacked in Paris soon after the Charlie Hebdo attack.
17:46
"Like the rest of the world am shocked, our leadership has condemned the attack," MEA on Paris terror attack.
17:39
Omar Abdullah quits as caretaker CM of Jammu and Kashmir.
17:33 Gutsy Charlie Hebdo will be published next week
Way to go! Charlie Hebdo will be published next week despite the horrific attack that killed 10 people on their staff.
Gunmen have shot dead 12 people (two policemen were also killed) outside the Paris office of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in an apparent militant Islamist attack.
Four of the magazine's well-known cartoonists, including its editor, were among those killed, as well as two police officers.
Gunmen have shot dead 12 people (two policemen were also killed) outside the Paris office of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in an apparent militant Islamist attack.
Four of the magazine's well-known cartoonists, including its editor, were among those killed, as well as two police officers.
17:08 Farmers file forgery case against Mallya
A case has been lodged against UB group chairman Vijay Mallya by farmers for a forgery case in the Patna district, police on Thursday said.
"An FIR was lodged against Mallya and three others on the charges of forgery following the directive of the Danapur civil court," Naubatpur police station in charge Binod Kumar said.
Kumar said that some farmers had lodged a case in the Danapur civil court accusing Mallya of acquiring their land for setting up a liquor factory without providing them adequate compensation.
In their FIR, they alleged that the group officials were dilly dallying over payment of adequate compensation to some farmers, while some other farmers were provided preferential treatment.
According to local police officials, the state government in 2007 had taken a consent letter from the farmers of Kopa, Kala and Vhainpura villages near Naubatpur for acquisition of their agricultural land to set up a sugar factory.
The acquisition process for 96 acres of land had also began and compensation was paid to most of the farmers.
But in 2011,42 of 96 acres of land were transferred to UB group through Bihar State Industrial Area Development Authority for setting up liquor factory.
After farmers came to know about this development they launched agitation against setting up liquor factory near their villages, police said.
MI Khan/Rediff.com
"An FIR was lodged against Mallya and three others on the charges of forgery following the directive of the Danapur civil court," Naubatpur police station in charge Binod Kumar said.
Kumar said that some farmers had lodged a case in the Danapur civil court accusing Mallya of acquiring their land for setting up a liquor factory without providing them adequate compensation.
In their FIR, they alleged that the group officials were dilly dallying over payment of adequate compensation to some farmers, while some other farmers were provided preferential treatment.
According to local police officials, the state government in 2007 had taken a consent letter from the farmers of Kopa, Kala and Vhainpura villages near Naubatpur for acquisition of their agricultural land to set up a sugar factory.
The acquisition process for 96 acres of land had also began and compensation was paid to most of the farmers.
But in 2011,42 of 96 acres of land were transferred to UB group through Bihar State Industrial Area Development Authority for setting up liquor factory.
After farmers came to know about this development they launched agitation against setting up liquor factory near their villages, police said.
MI Khan/Rediff.com
17:07 Shots fired at petrol station where suspects were spotted
Sky News reports that shots have been fired at a petrol station where the two suspects in the Charlie Hebdo magazine attack have been spotted, according to French media.
16:59 Vive la France! Nation observes minute's silence for Charlie Hebdo victims
France observes a moment's silence to pay tribute to the Charlie Hebdo victims.
16:54 Mukherjee to video-conference with governors
President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday will interact with governors via video conference, the second time he will be doing so.
At his interaction Pranab will list out priorities to the governors ahead of their Republic Day address, which is an ongoing process, said a senior functionary in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The President's secretariat has planned this governors' conference through the National Informatics Centre. The President will also be able to send direct messages while talking to a group of governors, for which a new software is being tested from Saturday, it is learnt.
16:53 Anand Sharma pips Digvijaya in RS
Congress president Sonia Gandhi is all set to appoint Anand Sharma as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from the Budget session onwards.
This will be a setback to Digvijaya Singh who was keen to get this key position, so he can take on the BJP government.
Insiders in Congress, who are familiar with the mindset of Rajya Sabha MPs, say there will now be two groups, one loyal to Sonia Gandhi and the other loyal to Rahul Gandhi. AK Antony, Dr Manmohan Singh, Dr Karan Singh, all front-benchers, will remain silent while the shouting brigade headed by Madhusudan Mistry, who considers himself a Rahul Gandhi loyalist, take the floor.
16:52 Will Amit Shah take in Reddy leaders in Andhra?
Amit Shah received feelers from at least three Reddy Lok Sabha MPs to join the BJP during his recent visit to Andhra Pradesh, when he met at least 15-20 top leaders from the community.
Of course, how this will fan out politically remains to be seen since the BJP is known to be closer to the Khamma community. Will more Reddys joining it affect the BJP-TDP alliance?
Such questions, say insiders, will be sorted out in due course after Amit Shah consults senior the BJP Parliamentary Board members, including the prime minister.
16:51 Obamas all the talk in corridors of power
There are still days left for US President Barack Obama to reach New Delhi, to take the honours as chief guest at the Republic Day parade, but his visit is what is being spoken about in the corridors of powers.
Whichever department you visit, the top civil servants are going through some circular or the other to do with Obama's visit, be it on policy, protocol or security.
Some government offices will be closed from January 23 onwards, while private establishments have also declared three-day holidays since the Delhi police wants to keep all office premises 'sealed' to enable electronic sweeping by the US Secret Service.
16:51 Dog days in Delhi over Obama visit
US President Barack Obama's impending arrival in the national capital is posing an unusual problem for the Delhi police.
As part of Obama's security cover, some eight dog squads are expected to reach Delhi via special aircraft on January 20, and the problem is over how to house them in Delhi. The animals need air-conditioning, special food, medical attention plus their morning exercise.
An unusual and informal request has gone out from the Delhi police to some hotels for ground floor space to keep the dogs. But no one has as yet agreed.
16:33 Kareena's face used for VHP's controversial 'love jihad' campaign
Kareena Kapoor's face appears to have been used in VHP's magazine in another attempt to counter 'love jihad'. A morphed picture of Kareena Kapoor Khan on a magazine issue has gone viral on the Internet. The cover has been designed to set a warning against, 'love jihad.' Read
16:22
Cartoon Debate: The case for mocking religion. Read Christopher Hitchens's piece here.
16:18
Le Figaro has reported that the suspects located in northern France were allegedly stealing petrol and food.
16:12 Charlie Hebdo armed suspects located in northern France
AFP reports that the two named armed suspects in Charlie Hebdo attacks have been 'located' in northern France.
The French police have released photos of the two brothers wanted in connection with the attack of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris on Wednesday that left 12 people dead including the editor, three celebrated cartoonists and two police officers.
The gunmen have been identified as Hamyd Mourad, 18, and brothers Said Kouachi, 34, and Cherif Kouachi, 32.
According to the police, an arrest warrant has been issued against the two who are likely to be "armed and dangerous."
A massive manhunt continued for the suspects even as AFP reported that Mourad, the youngest suspect, has surrendered.
The French police have released photos of the two brothers wanted in connection with the attack of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris on Wednesday that left 12 people dead including the editor, three celebrated cartoonists and two police officers.
The gunmen have been identified as Hamyd Mourad, 18, and brothers Said Kouachi, 34, and Cherif Kouachi, 32.
According to the police, an arrest warrant has been issued against the two who are likely to be "armed and dangerous."
A massive manhunt continued for the suspects even as AFP reported that Mourad, the youngest suspect, has surrendered.
16:08 Who Is Mehdi Nemmouche, and why did he want to kill jews?
In the first of a five-part series on growing anti-Semitism in France, an intimate look at the alleged Brussels Jewish museum shooter. Read
16:03 Four grenades lobbed at mosque in France, 2nd mosque attack
Update on the grenade explosion at Le Mans: Four grenades were thrown into the courtyard of a mosque in the French city of Le Mans. One of the grenades exploded, but no injuries were reported, local French daily Ouest-France reports.
Three of the unexploded grenades were discovered by police. Police have cordoned off the mosque and so far no arrests have been made. According to reports, a gunshot was also reported overnight, with the bullet hitting the mosque.
French police have noted several attacks against mosques since Wednesday, when gunmen opened fire on the Paris office of the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo.
Pic: People gather in solidarity against the Charlie Hebdo massacre last night in Paris, holding up banners that say, Not Afraid.
Three of the unexploded grenades were discovered by police. Police have cordoned off the mosque and so far no arrests have been made. According to reports, a gunshot was also reported overnight, with the bullet hitting the mosque.
French police have noted several attacks against mosques since Wednesday, when gunmen opened fire on the Paris office of the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo.
Pic: People gather in solidarity against the Charlie Hebdo massacre last night in Paris, holding up banners that say, Not Afraid.
15:33
AFP says mosques across France are being attacked after Charlie Hebdo shootout.
15:32 Paris policewoman dies of injuries, grenades thrown at another mosque
Update on the Montrouge attack. The policewoman who was shot at in Montrouge, south Paris, has succumbed to her injuries.
Bloomberg reports that grenades have been thrown at a mosque in Le Mans, west Paris.
Bloomberg reports that grenades have been thrown at a mosque in Le Mans, west Paris.
15:09 Montrouge shootout: No arrests made
Update on Montrouge incident. Earlier reports saying the gunman has been detained in the attack seem unfounded. The gunman is still on the run, said France Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve -- who rushed to the scene at Malakoff just south of the city.
15:00 Now, explosion near a mosque in Lyon, France
Just in: Reports of an explosion near a mosque in Lyon. The explosion is believed to have occurred at a restaurant near a mosque. No injuries have been reported but the area has been cordoned off by police and firefighters, French media is reporting. Details awaited.
14:36 'I typed out the security code and watched the men kill my colleagues'
A Charlie Hebdo cartoonist was forced to let the masked gunmen inside the magazine office building. This is her story...
Corinne Rey, 32, said she and her young daughter were forced at gunpoint to let the two masked gunmen into the Charlie Hebdo building.
Rey, who is also an award-winning cartoonist like her colleagues at Charlie Hebdo, said the man spoke to her in perfect French and told her they wanted to go in and go up.
She said she feared for her life and the life of her daughter and she typed the code and let them in.
"I watched helplessly as the gunmen opened fire in the newsroom. My daughter and I hid under a desk.
Within five minutes, the terrorists murdered 10 of her colleagues. They then went down to the street and executed an injured police officer.
"They shot it last five minutes," she said. "I took shelter under a desk."
The killers remain at large.
Corinne Rey, 32, said she and her young daughter were forced at gunpoint to let the two masked gunmen into the Charlie Hebdo building.
Rey, who is also an award-winning cartoonist like her colleagues at Charlie Hebdo, said the man spoke to her in perfect French and told her they wanted to go in and go up.
She said she feared for her life and the life of her daughter and she typed the code and let them in.
"I watched helplessly as the gunmen opened fire in the newsroom. My daughter and I hid under a desk.
Within five minutes, the terrorists murdered 10 of her colleagues. They then went down to the street and executed an injured police officer.
"They shot it last five minutes," she said. "I took shelter under a desk."
The killers remain at large.
14:29 Charlie Hebdo and lessons for intolerant India
Rise up for the right to offend.Let there be no holy cow, person, religion, ideology that cannot be criticised, ridiculed, parodied, lampooned.That's what differentiates you from the bigots who entered Charlie Hebdo, says Mango Indian. Read the report on Rediff.com.
14:20 Two injured in fresh shootout in Paris, gunman arrested
Update on the Montrouge incident: A 52-year-old man has been arrested after opening fire on police. A policewoman has been seriously injured as well as a workman.
So, that's a clarification: One policewoman and one municipal worker were shot. The worker is believed to be in a critical condition.
The man arrested has a criminal record. Again, this may or may not be linked to the Charlie Hebdo shootout.
So, that's a clarification: One policewoman and one municipal worker were shot. The worker is believed to be in a critical condition.
The man arrested has a criminal record. Again, this may or may not be linked to the Charlie Hebdo shootout.
14:15
Seven men and women, who are believed to have known the brothers, were held overnight in Paris.
14:10 Sarkozy to meet Hollande shortly
Former president Nicolas Sarkozy has just arrived at the Elyse to meet the current president Franois Hollande. As leader of the main opposition party Sarkozy has been called to ensure there is a united front from France's politicians in the reaction to terrorist attack. There will also be a march in Paris on Saturday which will see politicians and dignitaries from all parties.
14:08
Police woman was shot as she reponded to a road accident shortly after 8am in Montrouge, south Paris. 1 suspect arrested, 1 at large, say other reports.
14:04
Paris has deployed that an extra 650 soldiers and 2,000 more police officers will patrol the streets of the capital on Thursday.
13:58
French interior minister heads to Montrouge.
13:57
A suspect has reportedly been arrested after the shootout at Montrouge. One of the two municipal policemen was badly hurt, a police source told Reuters.
13:55 Link between Charlie Hebdo?
Some reports say that the gunmen in the second shootout at Montrouge are the same duo responsible for the Charlie Hebdo massacre. Montrouge is to the south of Paris.
Some reports say two officers were seeing lying on the ground injured. Several people who knew the two brothers have been detained.
The French police have released photos of the two brothers wanted in connection with the attack of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris on Wednesday that left 12 people dead including the editor, three celebrated cartoonists and two police officers.
The gunmen have been identified as Hamyd Mourad, 18, and brothers Said Kouachi, 34, and Cherif Kouachi, 32 (pictured). According to the police, an arrest warrant has been issued against the two who are likely to be "armed and dangerous."
Some reports say two officers were seeing lying on the ground injured. Several people who knew the two brothers have been detained.
The French police have released photos of the two brothers wanted in connection with the attack of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris on Wednesday that left 12 people dead including the editor, three celebrated cartoonists and two police officers.
The gunmen have been identified as Hamyd Mourad, 18, and brothers Said Kouachi, 34, and Cherif Kouachi, 32 (pictured). According to the police, an arrest warrant has been issued against the two who are likely to be "armed and dangerous."
13:45 Second attack in France! Policemen injured, gunmen escape in metro
Just in: News coming in of another attack in Montrouge, France. Shots fired at policemen. Gunmen used automatic weapons, one police officer has been injured. The gunmen escaped using the metro. It is still unclear whether this attack is linked to Charlie Hebdo massacre. Details awaited.
Pic: Police cars are parked in front of satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris. Photograph: Jacky Naegelen/Reuters
Pic: Police cars are parked in front of satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris. Photograph: Jacky Naegelen/Reuters
13:24 Paris shooting: the cartoonists who were killed
The celebrated French cartoonists Cabu, Charb, Tignous and Wolinski were all killed in Wednesday's attack on the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo. This is who they were... Read
13:20 UN 'outraged' over Charlie Hebdo massacre
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed outrage over the "cold-blooded" and "unjustifiable" terrorist attack against French magazine Charlie Hebdo, with the UN Security Council underlining the need to bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice.
The UN Chief and the powerful Security Council were joined by other UN bodies and the President of the General Assembly in strongly condemning the attack that killed 12 people, including the top editor, prominent cartoonists and police officers.
"I want to express my outrage at the despicable attack today against the French magazine Charlie Hebdo. It was a horrendous, unjustifiable and cold-blooded crime," the UN Chief said.
"This act of violence can in no way be justified. This is an attack against freedom of expression and freedom of the press - the two pillars of democracy," Moon said.
The UN Chief and the powerful Security Council were joined by other UN bodies and the President of the General Assembly in strongly condemning the attack that killed 12 people, including the top editor, prominent cartoonists and police officers.
"I want to express my outrage at the despicable attack today against the French magazine Charlie Hebdo. It was a horrendous, unjustifiable and cold-blooded crime," the UN Chief said.
"This act of violence can in no way be justified. This is an attack against freedom of expression and freedom of the press - the two pillars of democracy," Moon said.
13:07 Sherlock series 4: Cumberbatch and Freeman begin filming
For all Cumberbatch fans: There may be almost a whole year to wait before Sherlock returns to our tellys, but fans can find some solace in the fact that shooting has already begun on the hit detective drama.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are returning to their roles as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson for a fourth series of the show, based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic. Read more
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are returning to their roles as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson for a fourth series of the show, based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic. Read more
12:54 US working with Muslim leaders to counter IS ideology
The US is working closely with the Muslim leaders to try to counter Islamic State's violent extremist ideology to radicalise individuals around the globe, the White House has said after a terrorist attack on a satirical magazine in Paris killed 12 people.
12:29 Air Asia: Divers battle strong current to locate black box
Indonesian military divers today battled strong waves to reach the submerged tail section of the crashed AirAsia Flight QZ8501 in the murky depths of the Java Sea in the hopes of finding the crucial black box.
Searchers yesterday found the tail section of the plane where the flight data and voice recorders are located. Divers were sent to the location and plunged into the waves.
Down on the sea floor, they were able to take pictures of the wreckage. One image appears to show an upside down "A" painted on a piece of metal. At least six ships with equipment that can detect underwater objects are working in the area where the tail of was spotted.
Smaller pieces of the plane, such as seats and an emergency door, had previously been collected from the surface. Powerful currents and murky water continue to hinder the operation.
Searchers yesterday found the tail section of the plane where the flight data and voice recorders are located. Divers were sent to the location and plunged into the waves.
Down on the sea floor, they were able to take pictures of the wreckage. One image appears to show an upside down "A" painted on a piece of metal. At least six ships with equipment that can detect underwater objects are working in the area where the tail of was spotted.
Smaller pieces of the plane, such as seats and an emergency door, had previously been collected from the surface. Powerful currents and murky water continue to hinder the operation.
12:25 Wounded Paris cop pleading for his life is shot in the head
In a video that appeared in less than 30 minutes of the attack at the Charlie Hebdo office, a police officer pleaded for his life before being shot dead by the two masked gunmen.
The video shows officer Ahmed Merabet - believed to be a Muslim - lying wounded on the pavement and begging for mercy. The killers turn back, approach him and shoot him at point-blank range.
As they approach, the cop is seen raising his hand in an appeal for mercy, and asks: 'Do you want to kill me?' The gunman then answers: 'OK chief' before shooting him through the head with the assault rifle.
The video shows officer Ahmed Merabet - believed to be a Muslim - lying wounded on the pavement and begging for mercy. The killers turn back, approach him and shoot him at point-blank range.
As they approach, the cop is seen raising his hand in an appeal for mercy, and asks: 'Do you want to kill me?' The gunman then answers: 'OK chief' before shooting him through the head with the assault rifle.
12:18 Philippines traffic cops told to wear diapers for Pope's visit
In other news, the South China Morning Post reports that traffic police have been told to wear adult nappies during the Popes visit to the Philippines. When Pope Francis visits the Philippines next week, traffic enforcers can ensure they don't let the capitals streets get gridlocked if they don't have to answer the call of nature.
12:13 The awesome image that everyone is sharing!
There's an illustration being shared on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter that claims to be a tribute created by street artist Banksy in response to the terrorist attack that killed 12 people near the offices of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris earlier today. While the image does have a touching message, it's almost certainly a fake - not created by Banksy.
Read more
Banksy, says Wikipedia, is a pseudonymous English graffiti artist, political activist, film director, and painter. Although his identity has not been proven, reliable sources report that he is believed to be Robin Gunningham, a former public schoolboy at Bristol Cathedral Choir School.
His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti executed in a distinctive stencilling technique. His works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world.
Read more
Banksy, says Wikipedia, is a pseudonymous English graffiti artist, political activist, film director, and painter. Although his identity has not been proven, reliable sources report that he is believed to be Robin Gunningham, a former public schoolboy at Bristol Cathedral Choir School.
His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine dark humour with graffiti executed in a distinctive stencilling technique. His works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world.
12:10 An open letter to a Muslim terrorist
"I'll cut the crap. Newspapers, feeds, blogs and everyone who has an opinion will have something to say about this. I'm a nobody in this situation. What I am, is sad. I am sad because I feel closer to giving up the fight than ever. I'm a Muslim and I end up defending my religion more than I ought to. In fact, it reasons upon me that I don't need to defend anything. Or explain myself. Or particularly react or respond when I am provoked; which is often enough. I am making small inroads with the thought that Islam is not the same guy as Muslim. One is an ideology; a theocratically-designed and driven faith. And the other, is compelled by hallucinations and extreme sensitivity to any criticism. Because, while I am not a fan of racist, homophobic, anti-Islamic buffoonery, I'm not crazy about dead people as a result of it either."
Read the full letter here.
Pic: A french cartoonist expresses his anguish. Photograph: Cyprien/@@MonsieurDream
Read the full letter here.
Pic: A french cartoonist expresses his anguish. Photograph: Cyprien/@@MonsieurDream
11:40 Je suis Charlie? No, youre not, or else you might be dead
One of the spontaneous social-media reactions to the Charlie Hebdo massacre today was the Twitter hashtag #JeSuisCharlie ("I am Charlie").
It's an admirable sentiment, resonant with the classic post-9/11 Le Monde cover "Nous sommes tous Americains."
It's also totally inaccurate.
If we -- all of us, any of us -- were Charlie Hebdo, here are some of the things that we might do.
This is a must read. Please do take a look.
It's an admirable sentiment, resonant with the classic post-9/11 Le Monde cover "Nous sommes tous Americains."
It's also totally inaccurate.
If we -- all of us, any of us -- were Charlie Hebdo, here are some of the things that we might do.
This is a must read. Please do take a look.
11:34 French President Francoise Hollande's statement
My dear compatriots,
Today, France was attacked at its very heart in Paris, at the offices of a newspaper. This extremely violent shooting killed 12 people and injured several others; highly talented cartoonists, courageous columnists were killed. Their impertinence and independence influenced generations and generations of French people. I want to tell them that we will continue to defend this message, this message of freedom, in their name.
This cowardly attack also killed two police officers, the very ones who were responsible for protecting Charlie Hebdo and its editorial staff who have been threatened for years by obscurantism and who defended the freedom of expression.
These men, this woman, died because of their vision of France, namely freedom. I would like, on your behalf, to express our wholehearted gratitude to the families, to those affected, to the injured, to the friends, to all those who were deeply hurt today by this cowardly murder. They are now our heroes and thats why I have decided that tomorrow will be a day of national mourning. There will be a moment of silence at 12:00 pm in all government offices and I encourage everyone to join in. Flags will be flown at half-mast for three days.
Today it is the Republic as a whole that has been attacked. The Republic equals freedom of expression; the Republic equals culture, creation, it equals pluralism and democracy. That is what the assassins were targeting. It equals the ideal of justice and peace that France promotes everywhere on the international stage, and the message of peace and tolerance that we defend as do our soldiers in the fight against terrorism and fundamentalism.
France has received messages of solidarity and fraternity from countries around the globe, and we must take their full measure. Our response must be commensurate with the crime committed against us, first by seeking the perpetrators of this act of infamy, and then by making sure they are arrested, tried and punished very severely. And everything will be done to apprehend them. The investigation is now moving forward under the authority of the Ministry of Justice.
We must also protect all public spaces. The government has implemented what is known as the Vigipirate Plan on attack level, which means that security forces will be deployed wherever there is the hint of a threat.
Finally, we ourselves must be mindful of the fact that our best weapon is our unity: the unity of all our fellow citizens in this difficult moment. Nothing can divide us, nothing must pit us against one another, nothing must separate us. Tomorrow I will convene the Presidents of both assemblies as well as the political forces represented in Parliament to demonstrate our common resolve.
France is great when she is capable of rising to the test, rising to a level that has always enabled her to overcome hardships. Freedom will always be stronger than barbarity. France has always vanquished her enemies when she has stood united and remained true to her values. That is what I ask you to do: to join together, all of you, in every way possible; that must be our response. Let us join together at this difficult moment, and we shall win, because we are fully capable of believing in our destiny, and nothing can weaken our resolve.
Let us join together.
Vive la Rpublique et vive la France!
Pic: Our favourite so far of the very many tributes to Charlie Hebdo. The picture was tweeted by AFP journalist Jean-Franois Guyot. Je suis Charlie means "I am Charlie".
Today, France was attacked at its very heart in Paris, at the offices of a newspaper. This extremely violent shooting killed 12 people and injured several others; highly talented cartoonists, courageous columnists were killed. Their impertinence and independence influenced generations and generations of French people. I want to tell them that we will continue to defend this message, this message of freedom, in their name.
This cowardly attack also killed two police officers, the very ones who were responsible for protecting Charlie Hebdo and its editorial staff who have been threatened for years by obscurantism and who defended the freedom of expression.
These men, this woman, died because of their vision of France, namely freedom. I would like, on your behalf, to express our wholehearted gratitude to the families, to those affected, to the injured, to the friends, to all those who were deeply hurt today by this cowardly murder. They are now our heroes and thats why I have decided that tomorrow will be a day of national mourning. There will be a moment of silence at 12:00 pm in all government offices and I encourage everyone to join in. Flags will be flown at half-mast for three days.
Today it is the Republic as a whole that has been attacked. The Republic equals freedom of expression; the Republic equals culture, creation, it equals pluralism and democracy. That is what the assassins were targeting. It equals the ideal of justice and peace that France promotes everywhere on the international stage, and the message of peace and tolerance that we defend as do our soldiers in the fight against terrorism and fundamentalism.
France has received messages of solidarity and fraternity from countries around the globe, and we must take their full measure. Our response must be commensurate with the crime committed against us, first by seeking the perpetrators of this act of infamy, and then by making sure they are arrested, tried and punished very severely. And everything will be done to apprehend them. The investigation is now moving forward under the authority of the Ministry of Justice.
We must also protect all public spaces. The government has implemented what is known as the Vigipirate Plan on attack level, which means that security forces will be deployed wherever there is the hint of a threat.
Finally, we ourselves must be mindful of the fact that our best weapon is our unity: the unity of all our fellow citizens in this difficult moment. Nothing can divide us, nothing must pit us against one another, nothing must separate us. Tomorrow I will convene the Presidents of both assemblies as well as the political forces represented in Parliament to demonstrate our common resolve.
France is great when she is capable of rising to the test, rising to a level that has always enabled her to overcome hardships. Freedom will always be stronger than barbarity. France has always vanquished her enemies when she has stood united and remained true to her values. That is what I ask you to do: to join together, all of you, in every way possible; that must be our response. Let us join together at this difficult moment, and we shall win, because we are fully capable of believing in our destiny, and nothing can weaken our resolve.
Let us join together.
Vive la Rpublique et vive la France!
Pic: Our favourite so far of the very many tributes to Charlie Hebdo. The picture was tweeted by AFP journalist Jean-Franois Guyot. Je suis Charlie means "I am Charlie".
11:22
Cartoonist Satish Acharya pays tribute to Charlie Hebdo.
11:20 Rushdie: I stand with Charlie Hebdo, as we all must
Booker Prize winning author Salman Rushdie issued a strong statement to defend the art of satire after gunmen attacked the Paris office of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo and killed 12 people.
Here is Rushdie's complete statement:
"Religion, a medieval form of unreason, when combined with modern weaponry becomes a real threat to our freedoms. This religious totalitarianism has caused a deadly mutation in the heart of Islam and we see the tragic consequences in Paris today.
"I stand with Charlie Hebdo, as we all must, to defend the art of satire, which has always been a force for liberty and against tyranny, dishonesty and stupidity. Respect for religion' has become a code phrase meaning 'fear of religion.'
"Religions, like all other ideas, deserve criticism, satire, and, yes, our fearless disrespect."
Remember, Rushdie had been issued a fatwa by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini calling for his death over his book Satanic Verses, which Khomeini said blasphemous. Rushdie went underground for several years.
Here is Rushdie's complete statement:
"Religion, a medieval form of unreason, when combined with modern weaponry becomes a real threat to our freedoms. This religious totalitarianism has caused a deadly mutation in the heart of Islam and we see the tragic consequences in Paris today.
"I stand with Charlie Hebdo, as we all must, to defend the art of satire, which has always been a force for liberty and against tyranny, dishonesty and stupidity. Respect for religion' has become a code phrase meaning 'fear of religion.'
"Religions, like all other ideas, deserve criticism, satire, and, yes, our fearless disrespect."
Remember, Rushdie had been issued a fatwa by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini calling for his death over his book Satanic Verses, which Khomeini said blasphemous. Rushdie went underground for several years.
11:05 BSP leader offers reward to Charlie Hebdo killers
"Whoever dare shows disrespect to the Prophet will invite death like the cartoonists and journalists of Paris-based satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo," Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Haji Yakoob Qureshi has said.
"Rasul ke ashiq unhe saja de dete hai (followers of Prophet punish them)," the former Uttar Pradesh minister said on Thursday, reacting to Islamic clerics' views that the religion had no place for violence.
"Those who dare insult Prophet Mohammed deserve death and there is no need to initiate legal procedure against them," he said.
He said the Prophet spread the message of peace and love.
Qureshi had hit the headlines in 2006 after declaring a reward of Rs. 51 crore for anyone who would kill the Danish cartoonist who had created a controversial cartoon of Prophet Mohammed. He had made the offer at a public rally in Meerut.
Reacting to Wednesday's attack on Charlie Hebdo, Qureshi said he was ready to pay the reward money to the attackers. "I am ready to pay the money if they come and demand the declared reward."
"Rasul ke ashiq unhe saja de dete hai (followers of Prophet punish them)," the former Uttar Pradesh minister said on Thursday, reacting to Islamic clerics' views that the religion had no place for violence.
"Those who dare insult Prophet Mohammed deserve death and there is no need to initiate legal procedure against them," he said.
He said the Prophet spread the message of peace and love.
Qureshi had hit the headlines in 2006 after declaring a reward of Rs. 51 crore for anyone who would kill the Danish cartoonist who had created a controversial cartoon of Prophet Mohammed. He had made the offer at a public rally in Meerut.
Reacting to Wednesday's attack on Charlie Hebdo, Qureshi said he was ready to pay the reward money to the attackers. "I am ready to pay the money if they come and demand the declared reward."
10:46 Candlelight vigils across Europe
To bring you up to speed, eight journalists -- including the magazine's editor -- died along with two policemen, a maintenance worker and a visitor when masked men armed with assault rifles stormed the Charlie Hebdo offices.
The magazine has angered some Muslims in the past by printing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. The offices were firebombed in 2011.
In the attack yesterday, the gunmen were heard shouting "we have avenged the Prophet Muhammad" and "God is Great" in Arabic ("Allahu Akbar").
Candlelight vigils were held in London, Paris and other capital cities in Europe.
Pic: And another cartoon in solidarity with the Charlie Hebdo. Hebdo, incidentally, is slang for weekly in French.
The magazine has angered some Muslims in the past by printing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. The offices were firebombed in 2011.
In the attack yesterday, the gunmen were heard shouting "we have avenged the Prophet Muhammad" and "God is Great" in Arabic ("Allahu Akbar").
Candlelight vigils were held in London, Paris and other capital cities in Europe.
Pic: And another cartoon in solidarity with the Charlie Hebdo. Hebdo, incidentally, is slang for weekly in French.
10:41 Bells in Notre Dame will toll, minute's silence for Charlie Hebdo victims
A minute's silence will be observed at midday across France and the bells of Notre Dame in Paris will toll.
Security forces carried out a major search operation in the eastern city of Reims overnight but no arrests were made.
Police cordoned off a block of flats and forensic teams could be seen inside.
The country has been placed on the highest terror alert and extra troops have been deployed to guard media offices, places of worship, transport and other sensitive areas.
Pic: Newspapers across the world published cartoons in solidarity with the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
Security forces carried out a major search operation in the eastern city of Reims overnight but no arrests were made.
Police cordoned off a block of flats and forensic teams could be seen inside.
The country has been placed on the highest terror alert and extra troops have been deployed to guard media offices, places of worship, transport and other sensitive areas.
Pic: Newspapers across the world published cartoons in solidarity with the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
10:13
Uday Kotak tweets: Happy to inform that the shareholders of both Ing Vysya Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank have approved the merger at respective meetings.
10:01 Will have a resounding victory, says Sri Lanka's Rajapakse after voting
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse said he was confident he would be returned to power as he cast his ballot in presidential elections from his constituency in Hambantota in the south of the island.
"We will have a resounding victory. That is very clear. From tomorrow, we will start implementing our manifesto," he told the media.
Sri Lanka goes to the polls today to elect a new president in the most closely fought presidential race in the country for decades as incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa seeks a record third term amid a flurry of defections and criticism over his authoritarian rule.
Sixty-nine-year-old Rajapaksa's decision to call early elections in the hope of an easy victory over a fragmented opposition now appears a tough task with a broad coalition of parties rallying behind his former associate turned rival, Maithripala Sirisena.
"We will have a resounding victory. That is very clear. From tomorrow, we will start implementing our manifesto," he told the media.
Sri Lanka goes to the polls today to elect a new president in the most closely fought presidential race in the country for decades as incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa seeks a record third term amid a flurry of defections and criticism over his authoritarian rule.
Sixty-nine-year-old Rajapaksa's decision to call early elections in the hope of an easy victory over a fragmented opposition now appears a tough task with a broad coalition of parties rallying behind his former associate turned rival, Maithripala Sirisena.
09:56 Obama calls French prez, offers help in bring Paris attackers to justice
US President Barack Obama has telephoned his French counterpart Francois Hollande to express condolences over the deadly attack targeting a satirical magazine in Paris that left 12 dead, offering assistance in bringing the attackers to justice.
"President Obama called French President Hollande from Air Force One this afternoon to personally offer his condolences and to express solidarity after this morning's horrific terrorist attack in Paris," the White House said.
Obama offered the resources of the United States as France works to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice the perpetrators and anyone who helped plan or enable this terrorist attack.
"President Hollande thanked the President for his words of support and provided an update on steps being taken to care for the victims and to arrest those responsible. He affirmed that France will never waver when faced with such adversity and will continue to defend the values of freedom and tolerance that the French republic and its people so nobly embody," it said.
"President Obama called French President Hollande from Air Force One this afternoon to personally offer his condolences and to express solidarity after this morning's horrific terrorist attack in Paris," the White House said.
Obama offered the resources of the United States as France works to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice the perpetrators and anyone who helped plan or enable this terrorist attack.
"President Hollande thanked the President for his words of support and provided an update on steps being taken to care for the victims and to arrest those responsible. He affirmed that France will never waver when faced with such adversity and will continue to defend the values of freedom and tolerance that the French republic and its people so nobly embody," it said.
09:32 Youngest gunman was in class at time of Paris attack: Classmates
BBC reports: A hashtag called #MouradHamydInnocent is trending in France, reportedly started by classmates of 18-year-old Hamyd Mourad who say they were in class with him at the time of the attack of Charlie Hebdo.
Mourad, the youngest of the three gunmen, has reportedly surrendered to the French police. A massive hunt is on for two other suspects -- brothers Cherif Kouachi, 32, and Said Kouachi, 34.
Mourad, the youngest of the three gunmen, has reportedly surrendered to the French police. A massive hunt is on for two other suspects -- brothers Cherif Kouachi, 32, and Said Kouachi, 34.
09:27 PM to inaugurate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Gandhinagar today
The13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which is being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, will be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
He is also expected to launch the 'Dandi Kutir', a unique exhibition depicting various stages of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi's life and work.
The PM, accompanied by Union Urban Development Minister MVenkaiah Naidu, was received at the Ahmedabad airport last night by Gujarat Governor O P Kohli and Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, among others.
He is also expected to launch the 'Dandi Kutir', a unique exhibition depicting various stages of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi's life and work.
The PM, accompanied by Union Urban Development Minister MVenkaiah Naidu, was received at the Ahmedabad airport last night by Gujarat Governor O P Kohli and Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, among others.
08:45 Charlie Hebdo attack: French police release pictures of 2 suspected brothers
Just in: The French police have released these photos of the two brothers wanted in connection with the attacks. Cherif Kouachi is 32, and his brother Said is 34.
Police said an arrest warrant has been issued against the two who are likely to be "armed and dangerous."
The two brothers along with 18-year-old Hamyd Mourad, who has reportedly surrendered, attacked the offices of French magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, killing 12 people including the editor and celebrated cartoonists.
Police said an arrest warrant has been issued against the two who are likely to be "armed and dangerous."
The two brothers along with 18-year-old Hamyd Mourad, who has reportedly surrendered, attacked the offices of French magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, killing 12 people including the editor and celebrated cartoonists.
08:19 Paris attack: Youngest of 3 gunmen surrenders: Report
The French police have identified the three gunmen involved in the attack on Charlie Hebdo, a satirical weekly as Hamyd Mourad, 18, and two brothers, Cherif Kouachi, 32, and Said Kouachi, 34.
18-year-old Hamyd Mourad surrendered to police at 23:00 local time on Wednesday "after seeing his name circulating on social media". "He has been arrested and taken into custody," sources told AFP.
18-year-old Hamyd Mourad surrendered to police at 23:00 local time on Wednesday "after seeing his name circulating on social media". "He has been arrested and taken into custody," sources told AFP.
04:13 CBSE boards to begin from March 2
The class X and class XII examination of CBSE board will begin from March 2.
The Central Board of Secondary Education declared the date of commencement of class X and class XII examination in a statement released on Wednesday night.
According to the statement, the class X examination will take place from March 2 to March 26 and the class XII examination will be held from March 2 to April 17.
In all, about 13 lakh students would sit for the class X examination and about 10 lakh students would appear for the class XII examination.
04:12 Thursday to be day of mourning in France: Hollande
French President Francois Hollande announced that Thursday would be a day of mourning in the wake of the attack on satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo that left at least 12 dead.
It marks only the fifth time in the last 50 years that a day of mourning has been declared in France.
"Unity is our best weapon," Hollande said in a televised address, adding that flags would fly at half-mast across the country for three days.
"Nothing can divide us, nothing should separate us. Freedom will always be stronger than barbarity."
The president praised the "courageous chroniclers" of Charlie Hebdo.
Eight of its journalists, including four of the country's best-known cartoonists, were killed in the attack at its office in central Paris earlier in the day.
"They touched -- by their influence, by their insolence, by their independence -- generation after generation of French," Hollande said.
"This message of freedom, we will continue to defend it in their name."
02:37 Slain journalists are 'martyrs for liberty': Kerry
Describing the slain journalists in a terrorist attack in Paris as "martyrs for liberty", US Secretary of State John Kerry today said the incident was part of a larger confrontation between civilisation and those who are opposed to a civilised world.
"I agree with the French imam who today called the slain journalists martyrs for liberty. Today's murders are part of a larger confrontation, not between civilisations -- no -- but between civilisation itself and those who are opposed to a civilised world," Kerry told reporters at the State Department headquarters.
"The murderers dare proclaim 'Charlie Hebdo is dead,' but make no mistake: They are wrong. Today, tomorrow, in Paris, in France, or across the world, the freedom of expression that this magazine, no matter what your feelings were about it, the freedom of expression that it represented is not able to be killed by this kind of act of terror," Kerry said.
"On the contrary; it will never be eradicated by any act of terror. What they don't understand -- what these people who do these things don't understand -- is they will only strengthen the commitment to that freedom and our commitment to a civilised world," Kerry said.
02:32 Charlie Hebdo is no stranger to controversy
Charlie Hebdo, the French magazine targeted by gunmen who killed journalists and police in a brazen lunchtime attack Wednesday, is no stranger to controversy.
The Paris-based weekly satirical publication, which was founded in 1970, became famous for its risqu cartoons and daring takedowns of politicians, public figures and religious symbols of all faiths.
And although the motive behind Wednesday's massacre is not yet clear, Charlie Hebdo's notorious cartoons satirizing the Prophet Mohammed in recent years have angered some Muslims and made it a target for attacks.
Read more HERE
00:59 Police search for 3 gunmen as France mourns 12 dead
Paris remains in shock after gunmen stormed the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, leaving 12 dead, including outspoken editor Stephane Charbonnier.
Police are searching for three gunman, and the U.S. and other countries have offered assistance.
Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators gathered in the symbolic Place de la Republique under the statue of Marianne, the symbol of the French republic, to show their anger, sympathy and solidarity with the assassinated journalists on Wednesday evening.
Some lit candles, others raised copies of the magazine and others simply raised aloft a pen to show their support of the cartoonists who died.
00:57 Charlie Hebdo's unrepentant record
Charlie Hebdo has been publishing satire since its creation in 1969. Its left-wing editorial content was like bare-knuckle boxing, pop, politics, religion all fair game in the secular temple of traditional free expression.
In February 2006, it reprinted Danish daily Jyllands-Postens unflattering cartoons of the prophet Mohammed, which had sparked a storm of threatening protests throughout the Muslim world.
The editor-in-chief of the time, Philippe Val, said: We published those caricatures first out of solidarity with the cartoonists in Denmark, not as a provocation. Exercising the right of freedom of the press is not provocation.
Charlie Hebdo continued publishing undeterred by recurrent threats from Islamist groups. Unrepentant, in November 2011, it ran an issue re-Christening itself Sharia Hebdo, a stab at the moral code of Islam. The day it hit the stands, the newspapers office was fire-bombed and its website was hacked.
Read more HERE
00:56 Cold and deadly, Paris gunmen likely 'military trained'
The calm, cold determination and deadly efficiency of the gunmen who attacked a French satirical magazine today, leaving 12 people dead, has led police to believe they received military-style training.
Images of the attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices, taken on cellphones, show a carefully planned and professional operation, said a former bodyguard and policeman, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"It is obvious from the way they hold their guns and proceed calmly, coldly. They certainly received some kind of military training," said another police officer.
"They weren't acting on the spur of the moment."
In particular, he pointed to the way they held their Kalashnikov rifles close to their bodies, firing off shot by shot instead of a burst of gunfire, saying this showed they knew how to use the weapon.
The former bodyguard said: "The most striking thing is their cold-bloodedness. They were trained in Syria, in Iraq or elsewhere. Maybe even in France but one thing is sure: they were trained."
One video taken from the roof of a neighbouring building shows the two shooters were very well-equipped and were dressed in black, wearing masks and military-style vests.
00:56 World leaders, media groups condemn 'barbaric' Paris attack
US President Barack Obama led global condemnation of the shooting at a Paris weekly today which left 12 people dead, with world leaders and media groups branding it an act of terror and an attack on free speech.
Governments lined up to offer their support after masked men armed with Kalashnikov automatic rifles opened fire at the offices of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, in what President Francois Hollande said was a "terrorist attack".
The Committee to Protect Journalists said it was a "brazen assault on free expression in the heart of Europe", while Reporters Without Borders called it a "black day".
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrorist attack and the people of France at this difficult time," Obama said.
He offered US government help in tracking down the culprits, and added: "Time and again, the French people have stood up for the universal values that generations of our people have defended.
"France, and the great city of Paris where this outrageous attack took place, offer the world a timeless example that will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers."
British Prime Minister David Cameron condemned the shooting as "sickening" and "barbaric", while German Chancellor Angela Merkel called it "despicable"; sentiments reflected across European capitals.
Russian President Vladimir Putin "resolutely condemns terrorism in all its forms", a spokesman said.
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