Charlie Hebdo is a French satirical weekly magazine that published several issues mocking the Islamic religion and poking fun at the prophet Muhammad. Controversy arose several times before due to some issues of the magazine that seemed to be anti-semitic. The office had been threatened before for their “jokes” and only now have the threats become real when two gunmen attacked their office.

On January 7, two Islamist gunmen forced their way into the Paris headquarters of Charlie Hebdo, killing twelve and wounding eleven. During the attack the phrases “God is great” and “the Prophet is avenged” were shouted in Arabic. The two gunmen were identified as two French Muslim brothers, Saïd Kouachi and Chérif Kouachi.

The remaining people working for Charlie Hebdo have stated that they are going to be continuing the publication, with print production rising from three to five million copies. The revenue from the next issue will be given to the family of those killed in the attack. Several companies and the French government have donated large sums of money to support the magazine’s next issues.

The supporters of those killed have adopted the phrase “Je Suis Charlie,” meaning “I am Charlie.” To be “Charlie” means to support freedom of speech in absolute terms. The slogan has made its way to Twitter and has spread like wildfire. Protesters have broken out and are still continuing to this day, fighting for their right to freedom of speech. Visit the magazine’s website: Charliehebdo.fr

Annabelle Dunbar, Staff Writer

Sophomore Annabelle Dunbar is a staff writer for the 2014-2015 Colonel. She is on the cheer leading team and writes her own films.