On Saturday 14th February, a gunman killed one person and injured three at a free speech debate in Copenhagen attended by Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks.
Thomas Hughes, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19, said:
“We at ARTICLE 19 are deeply shocked by yet another, and sadly fatal, attack coming so soon after the tragic Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris last month.
“The people gathered at the Copenhagen event were there to discuss the importance of free speech and wanted to widen the debate on the subject.
“Another attack on free expression is deeply worrying. I sincerely hope this doesn’t lead to people being afraid to express themselves and their opinions for fear of violence. We must not give in to murderers. At this time, more so than any other, free speech must be protected. Our condolences go out to the victims and families.”