World leaders, media groups condemn 'barbaric' Paris attack

January 08, 2015 00:56

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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