Terror in France – Macron pays his last respects to murdered teacher – News

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Seven people in custody

Counterterrorism prosecutor Jean-François Ricard said 16 people were arrested 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.