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French President Emmanuel Macron called for the defense of freedom in an emotional commemoration ceremony for the brutally murdered teacher Samuel Paty. “We will not go without cartoons and drawings,” Macron said Wednesday night in the courtyard of the Sorbonne University in Paris with a view of the Mohammed cartoons, which had sparked controversy around the world. Paty, 47, was the victim of a deadly conspiracy, stupidity, lies and hatred of others, Macron said. “We continue, sir!”
Macron condemned the “cowards” who “committed and made this attack possible.” In his 15-minute speech, Macron did not want to talk too much about the alleged perpetrator and his supporters. “You don’t deserve it,” Macron continued. “Tonight I want to talk to Samuel Paty.”
Paty’s coffin was carried with the song “One” by U2 in the inner courtyard of the Sorbonne. Macron posthumously awarded Paty the Legion of Honor. Numerous members of the government were present, including former president François Hollande. A friend of Paty’s also took the floor and said: “Goodbye Samuel.”
President with tears in his eyes
“Samuel Paty became the face of the republic on Friday,” Macron said with tears in his eyes. Paty was passionate about teaching. He loved books and was a teacher that no one would forget. “We will continue this fight for freedom for the same reason that you are now the face of freedom,” Macron said.
According to investigators, Paty, 47, was attacked and killed by an 18-year-old on Friday. The body of the master was found decapitated. The attacker with Chechen roots was shot dead by police officers.
The crime in a Paris suburb caused horror throughout the country. Tens of thousands took to the streets over the weekend to show their solidarity. Investigators believe Paty was killed for showing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in class. Macron had spoken of an Islamist terrorist act immediately after the crime.
Macron wants to defend freedom
At the commemoration ceremony, Macron said France would not do without “cartoons, drawings”. Addressing the dead teacher Paty, Macron said: “We will defend the freedom that she has taught so well.” Paty became a victim of hatred.
The anti-terrorist prosecutor Jean-François Ricard had announced before the ceremony that 16 people had been detained by the police after the crime. Nine of them were released. There are serious charges against the remaining seven, including complicity in a murder with a terrorist background. Now the investigating judges have to decide how to proceed. So far, no formal investigations have been opened against the suspects.
