Some 10,000 Parisians have braved the bitter cold to gather at the Place de la Republique, close to the scene of the terrorist attack, in protest at what is being described as a despicable attack on the freedom of expression.
Twelve people are confirmed dead and eleven are seriously injured after two masked gunmen stormed the offices of French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo.
The magazine, famous in France for its lampooning of sacred cows, has been previously targeted by Islamic extremists angered by its publication of cartoons of the prophet Mohammed.
Ambulances and police officers gather in front of the offices of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
Ambulances and police officers gather in front of the offices of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
Ambulances and police officers gather in front of the offices of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
The editor, several well-known cartoonists and two police officers were among those who died. The gunmen, believed to be Islamist extremists, shouted “we have avenged the Prophet Muhammed” and “Allahu Akbar [God is great]”, according to witnesses.
Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott has joined a chorus of international condemnation of the attack which occurred overnight AEST.
Anyone who wishes to report security concerns can call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
Mr Abbott said security agencies were assessing the implications of the attack and vowed the government would “continue to do all it can to protect our community” – but said there was no information to suggest an imminent threat to Australia.
“The government condemns the atrocity in Paris overnight,” Mr Abbott said in a statement. “The thoughts of all Australians are with the families of those who have lost their lives in this barbaric act. Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of a free society.”
He later tweeted: “An unspeakable atrocity in Paris overnight. If you don’t like something, you don’t read it; you don’t kill people you disagree with.”
Her Majesty The Queen was among leaders who sent a message to French President Francois Hollande.
“Prince Philip and I send our sincere condolences to the families of those who have been killed and to those who have been injured in the attack in Paris this morning,” Queen Elizabeth wrote. “We send our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected.”
France is now on the highest state of alert, with armed police guarding significant public venues and other newspaper offices.
Staff at Charlie Hebdo, known for its left-wing and anti-religious stance, have received numerous death threats over the years for their provocative satire. They republished a provocative Danish cartoon of Prophet Muhammed that caused worldwide controversy in 2006.
Mr Hollande has since revealed other terrorist attacks had been foiled in recent weeks in France. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated its travel advice to warn Australians to take extra care in Paris and follow the advice of French authorities.
“The French domestic terror threat level has been raised to the highest level ‘Alerte – Attentat’ in response to this incident,” the advice says. “Authorities have introduced heightened security measures in public places, including shopping areas, tourist sites and transportation hubs. You should remain vigilant in public places and report any suspicious activities to police.”
