Govt sends condolences to France over attack
Play
The government yesterday sent its condolences to France for the brutal attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine that left 12 dead and many wounded.
“Thailand strongly condemns this act of terrorism. All perpetrators must be brought to justice. We stand in solidarity with the people of the French Republic in this moment of mourning,” Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said.
Prayut said in his note to French Prime Minister Manuel Valls that he was profoundly shocked and saddened to learn about the incident.
On behalf of the Thai government and the Thai people, Prayut wished to convey the deepest sympathy and condolences to the French premier and to the bereaved families of the victims.
Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn said he had learned with “deep shock and sorrow” about the loss of lives and injuries.
“In condemning this terrorist act, Thailand remains fully committed to working with the international community to fight terrorism in all its forms,” he said.
Charan Maluleem, a Muslim academic at Thammasat University, said the attack sprang out of the exploitation of freedom without responsibility.
The gunmen who massacred 12 people at the Paris office of satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday cried out “we have avenged the prophet” and “Allahu akbar” (God is greatest) during the attack.
The weekly journal is well known for lampooning Islam and other religions, as well as political figures.
The attack was apparently motivated by religious sentiment, as some Muslims felt that their prophet and religion were insulted, Charan said.
“However, using violence to revenge for the defamation is against Islamic principles,” he said.
Violence took place around the world but only Muslims were blamed for resorting to violence, he said.
The United States also invaded and interfered in the internal affairs of many countries, he said.
Muslims can live peacefully with others. Even in a country where Islamic laws are strictly enforced like Brunei, there would be no problem living with peace, he said.
People in the Western world should exercise their freedom with responsibility.
“There’s no point in abusing freedom of expression to insult the faith of others,” he said.
The media can use their freedom to scrutinise politicians but why do they need to mock the prophet of the religion, he said.
