Charlie Hebdo attack: family of fallen policeman gather in Paris for tribute
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Version 0 of 1. Away from the centre of Paris, where hundreds of thousands joined the unity rally on Sunday, another more modest, but no less poignant gathering assembled. In bright, cold sunshine family and friends of Ahmed Merabet, the police officer gunned down in the Charlie Hebdo attack, were joined by hundreds of members of his community and dignitaries to pay tribute to the fallen officer. With many carrying white roses and placards with the phrase “Je suis Charlie”, they listened as the mayor of Livry Gargan paid homage to a “calm and talented” man. “Ahmed Merabet, your life was stolen and no one can give it back, and so it was not taken in vain we are here, united against barbarism and to uphold the values of the Republic.” The president of the national assembly, Claude Bartolone, said Merabet would remain “in the heart of all French people for eternity”. In a rousing speech which was interrupted by applause from the hundreds who came to pay their respects, he said: “This name will resonate like the very sound of liberty.” In moving scenes the mayor asked the crowds to hold hands for a minute’s silence, and after flowers festooned with the French flag were laid in front of a portrait of Merabet, the crowd sang the French national anthem. Merabet’s mother laid flowers in front of the picture of her son, while his brother thanked the assembled crowd and asked them to continue to spread a message of peace. Local resident Evelyne Albisson, 61, said she wanted to pay her respects. “There was a very strong unity today. When we sang La Marseillaise there were tears in my eyes. I just had to be here.” Sassi Naziha, 36, a teacher in an Islamic school, was planning to attend the unity march later in the day, despite being fearful of abuse for wearing the veil. She said there had been several attacks on Muslims in recent days. “My fear is that people who already hate Muslims will use this as a pretext to unleash their hatred against a religion they don’t know and don’t want to understand. They accept the definition of Islam given by these barbarians, rather than that of their normal Muslims who practise their faith in peace.” She echoed the words of Merabet’s brother, Malek Merabet, who said his brother was killed in an act of barbarity by “false Muslims”. Speaking on Saturday he said: “My brother was Muslim and he was killed by two terrorists, by two false Muslims. Islam is a religion of peace and love. As far as my brother’s death is concerned it was a waste. He was very proud of the name Ahmed Merabet, proud to represent the police and of defending the values of the Republic – liberty, equality, fraternity.” Naziha said she did not want to look at depictions of the prophet Muhammad but she firmly believed the cartoonists at Charlie Hebdo had the right to draw whatever they wanted. “This is a democracy, that is their liberty,” she said She added: “This is a test for the republic, we are at a crossroads. Will we choose liberty and brotherhood, or will we choose hate. I hope and I am confident that we will choose brotherhood.” |