09 January 2015
The Chief Minister has written to the French President, François Hollande, following the shootings in Paris earlier this week:
On behalf of the Government of Jersey, I extend our sympathies to you and the people of France at this time of national mourning, following the shocking murders that took place in Paris yesterday.
France is renowned and respected for its intellectual freedom, and this attack on liberty of thought and expression in France is an attack on democratic values everywhere. As a very close neighbour to France we, in Jersey, feel a keen sense of outrage and sadness at these events.
Sympathy
Our immediate thoughts lie with the friends, families and colleagues of those affected by this terrible event. We are also deeply impressed by the way in which all the French authorities have responded, and we trust that those responsible will be brought to justice. We stand together with you in the fight against these attacks on freedom and liberty.
Silence
Jersey today (Thursday 8 January 2014) held a minute’s silence at the same time as France, and we are holding a vigil this evening in our Royal Square where we shall remember the victims of this tragedy.
Please accept the expression of my Government’s deepest sympathy.
gov.je