Leeds Vigil For Paris Terror Victims

Leeds to pay tribute to terror victims

Published 11th Jan 2015

As huge crowds and more than 40 world leaders including David Cameron are expected in Paris to take part in a rally after 3 days of terror that left 17 people dead - this week's terror attacks are being marked back here in Leeds too. A vigil's taking place in Millenium Square at 2pm - and was organised by Mireille Mason-Béguin, who worked as a journalist in France. She now lives in Leeds - and says the tragic events have consequences for us all: "I couldn't sleep the first night. They're trying to gag us - people who have freedom of expression, freedom to think, freedom to laugh about something which is a bit controversial but you still smile about it.

"And for me, I can't accept it. I really feel as if someone is trying to put someone on my mouth, to gag me. "Everyone is moved, is touched by Charlie Hebdo, though they were selling only 40-thousand copies. Because the ideas of freedom of press and freedom of expression that they were fighting for in every single copy is really important here.

"If you really want and believe in freedom of speech, people should join us."