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- French President Emmanuel Macron called for the defense of freedom in an emotional commemoration ceremony for the murdered teacher Samuel Paty.
- “We will not do without caricatures (and) drawings,” Macron said in the courtyard of the Sorbonne University in Paris, referring to the Muhammad cartoons, which had sparked controversy around the world.
- The prosecution has launched investigations against 7 people.
- Paty was attacked and killed by an 18-year-old on Friday. The body of the master was found decapitated.
Paty, 47, was the victim of a deadly conspiracy, stupidity, lies and hatred of others, Macron said. “We move on, (Lord) teacher!”
Macron condemned the “cowards” who gave the name of Paty to the barbarians. The head of state said goodbye to the educator in a very personal way.
«We all have anchored in our hearts (…) the memory of a teacher who changed our path in life. You know, this teacher who taught us to read, count, and trust ourselves. This teacher, who not only taught us, but also opened a path, a book, a look, a moment of reflection, Samuel Paty was one of those teachers.
The lavish funeral took place at the renowned Parisian University of the Sorbonne.
Reuters
Killed by cartoon
The crime in a Paris suburb had caused horror throughout the country. Over the weekend, tens of thousands took to the streets 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.
The coffin was carried with the song “One” by U2 in the courtyard of the traditional Sorbonne. Numerous dignitaries attended, including Macron’s predecessor, François Hollande.
Investigations against alleged accomplices
The French prosecutor’s office has already started proceedings against seven people.
He is investigating an Islamist militant and the father of a student of the murdered teacher, the antiterrorist prosecutor said. This would have made the teacher a target on social networks.
In addition, three friends of the perpetrator and two young men are accused of helping the perpetrator identify the teacher. The process can ultimately lead to criminal prosecution if investigators see sufficient evidence against the accused.
