By: Patrick J. McDonnell
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-france-slain-policeman-20150111-story.html
On the eve of the Charlie Hebdo massacred, the nation of France is still mourning, along with the world. During the search for the suspects of this heinous crime, the victims are often overlooked. Forty two year old, Ahmed Merabet was an eight year veteran of the Parisian police force. While responding to the scene where the two suspects were reported, Ahmed was wounded, and then shortly fatally shot in the head by one of the assailants. Ahmed was a devout Algerian Muslim. On the site of his slaying, a makeshift monument was made featuring candles, flowers, and handwritten tributes. Ahmed's brother, Malek Merabet, called the suspects "false Muslims". He also added that he was proud of his brother, who he said proudly represented the police force, and the integral values of the nation. He concluded his speech calling for peace, saying that violence will not bring back the dead, and solve the problems gripping France.
The Charlie Hebdo attacks was a tragedy that not only affected France, but the whole world. The entire world came together to defend the basic human right of free speech. This tragedy must always serve as an example that freedom of speech cannot be stopped, and the victims of this unfortunate attack will never be forgotten in the hearts of the French people.
I am glad you chose to write about the recent injustice that took place in Paris, France. It left me reminiscent of another violation of freedom of speech that occurred in Istanbul, Turkey in 2007 with the assassination of Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. A few days ago I discovered that another Armenian columnist, Mathieu Madenian, came close to the brink of death; through some sheer stroke of luck, he did not go to work at Charlie Hebdo the morning of the attack. I am deeply moved by the fallen Muslim officer's brother's words that the suspects were "false Muslims", as I am adamantly opposed to the idea that anyone can kill in the name of a God.
ReplyDeleteThis was such an engaging choice of a blog topic. The way you presented everything made it more real. It really struck me emotionally. Your summarization had an intense meaning and a sad truth. Your explanation was explicit. You did a fantastic job, Raffi. Your post held my attention the whole way through.
ReplyDeleteRaffi I found that your overall post flowed nicely and was very readable. Your explanation of the occurrences were explicit and easily understandable. You kept it brief yet managed to sum it up thoroughly, and I also found your second paragraph to be well thought-out and analytical. Fantastic!
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