11 years ago today, the 7th January 2015France enters a new era of terrorist threat. On that day, a meticulously planned attack targets the satirical newspaper Charlie HebdoA symbol of freedom of expression, it has been regularly threatened since the publication of caricatures of Muhammad. A look back at that day of terror…
A target identified several years ago
In addition, research since 2006 Charlie Hebdo The newspaper has been the target of recurring threats related to its religious cartoons. In 2011, its offices were firebombed after an issue devoted to Sharia law. In 2012, the editorial staff was living under police protection. Despite these precedents, the attack of January 7, 2015, is surprising in its violence, precision, and lethal efficiency.
The precise sequence of events of the attack
Shortly before 11:30, Said and Cherif KouachiHeavily armed, they arrive on Rue Nicolas-Appert in a black Citroën. After attempting to enter the wrong building, they force an employee in the lobby of the correct building to enter the access code at gunpoint. They then proceed to the second floor, where the weekly editorial meeting of Charlie Hebdo, as well as a king cake.
Inside, about twenty people were gathered, including journalists, cartoonists, guests, and staff. The Kouachi brothers immediately opened fire, explicitly calling some people by name. The victims were executed at point-blank range. In less than ten minutes, twelve people are murdered eight members of the editorial staff, one guest, one maintenance worker and two police officers.
Among the journalists killed were Stephane Charbonnier (Charb), publishing director, Jean Cabut (Cabu), Georges Wolinski, Bernard Verlhac (Tignous), Philippe Honore, Bernard Maris, Elsa Cayat et Mustapha Ourrad.
The Kouachi brothers are on the run
As they left the scene, the terrorists encountered a police patrol. A police officer, Ahmed Merabet, was seriously wounded and then executed at point-blank range on the sidewalk, a scene filmed and widely circulated, becoming one of the most iconic images of the attack. The Kouachi brothers then fled by car, abandoning crucial evidence for the investigation, including identification papers.
An immediate nationwide manhunt
The anti-terror alert is triggered at its highest level. Security forces launch a manhunt of exceptional scalemobilizing police officers, gendarmes, elite units and intelligence services. Very quickly, the authorities identified the assailants, known for their radicalization.
Chérif Kouachi was convicted in 2008 for his involvement in an Iraqi jihadist network. The two brothers had been under surveillance at various times for their links to groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda. The investigation established that Saïd Kouachi had spent time in Yemen, where he reportedly received military training.
Two days of maximum tension
On January 8th and 9th, France was living under extreme tension. The Kouachi brothers were spotted in Seine-et-Marne, where they barricaded themselves in a printing plant in Dammartin-en-goëletaking an employee hostage. 9 JanuarySpecial forces launch the assault and kill the two terrorists.
At the same time, a self-proclaimed accomplice, Amedy CoulibalyHe launched a separate but coordinated attack, murdering a policewoman in Montrouge and then taking hostages at the Hyper Cacher supermarket at Porte de Vincennes. This hostage situation resulted in the deaths of four Jewish people before the police intervened.
In total, these three days of attacks make 17 victimsIn addition to the three terrorists killed, the shock is immense. Institutions, the media, and the population are becoming aware of the territory's vulnerability to jihadist terrorism.
A historic mobilization: «Je suis Charlie»
Le 11th January 2015A republican march gathers nearly four million people across France, including approximately two million in Paris. Dozens of heads of state and government are participating in this unprecedented tribute. The slogan " I am Charlie "Having spontaneously appeared on social media, it became a global symbol of solidarity and the defense of freedom of expression. A freedom of expression that, unfortunately, remains far too fragile 11 years later…
