Freedom of expression is one of the cornerstones of western civilization. Without it, we could not have achieved the emancipation that we, as individuals, treasure. As French writer Voltaire once famously said: "I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".Malta's press is still deemed to be conservative, despite the leaps and bounds that we have all made forward in the last 20-odd years. Just a decade ago, the word divorce was still taboo. How things have changed.Malta has had its own issues where the press - as an institution and as individuals - have been the target of violence.

But nothing can compare to the carnage which the world witnessed yesterday as satirical French weekly Charlie Hebdo, was the target of apparent Islamic fanatics.Three men armed with automatic rifles stormed the building and shot at anyone they could see. At the time of writing, the body count was 12 while 20 were injured. The cartoon newspaper has often angered Muslim fanatics with their depictions of the Prophet Mohammed.

But it has also courted controversy with its cartoons of political leaders, Popes and other public figures. This time, it seemed apparent that the killings may have been linked to Islamic State, as the last figure it produced was of the IS leader. Islamic State - which has French citizens amongst its numbers - has long been threatening to strike France.The journalists themselves - many of whom are now dead - had defended their style of journalism by saying that they lived in France and followed French law, not Quranic law. 

As always, the actions of a few will influence the general public's opinion of the vast majority of moderate Muslims around the world who deplore such violence. It is sad for any member of the media profession to hear that journalists and cameramen or photographers are killed in the line of duty. But it is a greater tragedy when our fellow journalists are murdered in cold blood while at their place of work. Some will say that the newspaper's attitude towards Islam was too provocative and extreme. But that is the point of freedom of expression. Can we possibly imagine living in a world where one must fear for his life simply for speaking his mind.

As long as what one says, broadcasts or publishes does not instigate racism, sexism or discrimination, then that is part and parcel of our society. Whether or not the attack was carried out by French citizens is not yet apparent but it certainly seems likely. France said that it has thwarted a number of terrorist attacks in the past weeks and months. Just a few years ago, there were riots in the city as young, disenfranchised youth took to the streets.

The attacks are deplorable. One simply cannot understand the motivation - and that is because we are not fanatical in our outlook.  The world has become a dangerous place. Let us hope that Malta can continue to be a beacon of tolerance and hope. The publication in question might, or might not have a future. But what is certain is that freedom of expression will live on. The west owes it to its people to preserve that fundamental right at all costs.