A man has ben shot dead at Copenhagen’s Krudttoenden café, where a debate on free speech was underway.
The talk – called Art, blasphemy and the freedom of expression – featured an address by the French ambassador, the sight of Swedish artist Lars Vilks and the ghost of Salman Rushdie, who, though not there in person, was remembered for this being the anniversary of the fatwa that marked his life.
Helle Merete Brix, one of the organisers, says:
“I saw a masked man running past. A couple of police officers were injured. I clearly consider this as an attack on Lars Vilks.”
Speaking after the deadly attack on Charlie Hebdo last month, in which 12 died, Vilks said: “This will create fear among people on a whole different level than we’re used to. Charlie Hebdo was a small oasis. Not many dared do what they did.”
Two gunmen escaped in a dark Volkswagen Polo and are still at large, according to local reports.
I was invited to Lars Vilks committee in Copenhagen to present Passion for Freedom London Art Festival. The committee is organized annually and happens on the anniversary of Salman Rushdie’s fatwa. The meeting started with a short introduction from one of the organizers followed by François Zimeray, the French ambassador, commemorating Charlie Hebdo and discussing the challenges that we face when it comes to the threats to freedom of speech and democracy in our countries.
After a short introduction, Inna Shevchenko opened the panel and started to talk about Femen and her work. She also discussed her close friendship with Charb, the editor of Charlie Hebdo, and how they both stood strong exercising their right to freedom of expression. A few minutes into her speech we heard separate bangs… It sounded like a machine gun..
After the shooting subdued everyone started to come together. We decided to continue with the presentation…Everyone thanked us that we continued. We will not surrender; they cannot kill all of us.
Free speech. No buts…
Anorak
Posted: 14th, February 2015 | In: Reviews | Comment (1)
THE spermbike is the greener way to transport human sperm. Your testicles, dear carbon breather, are old hat.
The sperm bike – the Sperm Bullit – is the preferred way of transporting deposits made at Copenhagen’s Nordisk Cryobank (European Sperm Bank).
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Anorak
Posted: 22nd, April 2011 | In: Technology | Comment
ARE you ready for Copenhagen and all that heated debate on global warming?
AUSTRALIA will emit more than 400 tonnes of greenhouse gases in sending one of the world’s largest parties to this month’s Copenhagen climate talks.
The Australian delegation is tipped to number up to 90 state, federal and local government politicians and officials, surpassing more populous nations such as Britain.
Britain is only sending 38 delegates and support staff.
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Anorak
Posted: 6th, December 2009 | In: Reviews | Comment
HAVING arrived availed themselves of the “occasional use of private aviation fuel”, Green Shirts at the World Business Summit Climate Conference in Copenhagen, are dimming the lights and, like all good armies, stimulating the local prostitution economy:
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Anorak
Posted: 28th, May 2009 | In: Reviews | Comment (1)