Shocking, appalling and disgusting are amongst the most lenient of a list of colourful adjectives that ran through my mind as I watched in horror, the sickening footage of the police officer being shot in Paris on Wednesday. The world watched in disgust at what Islamist radicals did to avenge Allah on 7 January 2015, when 12 people were shot in cold blood.

However, through the horror, something beautiful resulted. People united in prayers, vigils and calls for solidarity. They stood together, not only to protest against what had happened in Paris, in the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo, but for the continuation of the work done by cartoonists such as those of this French satirical newspaper. These cartoonists died because they challenged the ideas, the threats and the oppression of those who seek to suppress freedom of expression. Their efforts were counterproductive because as word of the attack spread, the hashtag JeSuisCharlie (IAmCharlie) transformed social media into a substantial declaration of solidarity.

While there is no one answer to such terrorism, it is important that the people of Europe stand united in such struggles. More so in light of the problems of religious radicals that are popping up all around.

In this regard and in light of the above, it is also important that EU governments decide upon a collective action and strategy for security in Europe. It is also fundamental that through own initiatives and the European Union, a country like Malta, geographically situated between Europe and North Africa, takes stock of what is happening in countries like Libya, where radical Islamism has become a threat to security. We cannot afford to be drawn into controversies of the sort and must maintain our neutrality at all costs.

The situation in Malta – is it deteriorating?

Speaking of radicals and in light of these very recent attacks, one must not forget to note the sentiments brewing in Malta. One quick browse through the news feeds on social media is all it takes to realise that when such attacks take place, a fraction of Malta’s population take to social media to rant and criticise the principles of multiculturalism and integration. I believe that in no way do security threats arise from immigration, especially immigration from outside European Borders. We must understand that through European Union accession, we have opened our borders to trade and immigration of the people living in any Member State. Furthermore, we are obliged to respect international Charters and agreements of fundamental human rights.

Solidarity

Last but not least, I want to express my solidarity with victims of radicalism and oppression, not just in this case, but who have in these past years, lost their lives for what they believe in. In this regard, I wish to conclude this article with the quote of one of the victims of this tragedy, that has during the past few days been making rounds in the media and upon which I invite any reader of this paper to reflect. The martyred editor-in-chief and illustrator “Charb” said in 2012, after years of attacks against his magazine: ‘‘I am not afraid of reprisals. I don’t have kids, I don’t have a wife, I don’t have a car, I don’t have credit. This may sound a bit pompous but I would prefer to die standing than to live on my knees.’’

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