Parliament yesterday expressed sorrow over last week’s terrorist attack in Paris and conveyed its solidarity with the victims of terrorism by observing a minute’s silence.

Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech said the protest in Paris by ordinary citizens was a massive response to terrorism and the bloody events that had shocked the world. The EU and the international community would now work to build a framework of action to instil a greater sense of security without the need to feel fear.

While not underestimating the extent of the problem, world leaders had to fight against prejudice, xenophobia, Islamophobia and racial divisions. The presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas together was a strong, symbolic statement to show that unity could be achieved. Religion was not the issue; it was just being instrumentalised and used by extremists as something to hide behind.

Religion was not the issue; it was just being instrumentalised and used by extremists as something to hide behind

The victims of last week’s violence had paid the ultimate price, he said.

Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil suggested a minute’s silence as a tribute to the victims.

He joined Mr Grech in expressing solidarity with the French people. “Now we were saying ‘We are all Charlie,’ but free speech has to always be respected and defended.”

Dr Busuttil warned against reactions against Muslim and Islam because those who carried out the attacks were not true Muslims as they did not believe in peace.

In these days of anger over what happened, he urged for reflection and more diligence to ensure that our own freedom of expression would always be respected.

Acting Speaker Ċensu Galea asked the Clerk of the House to convey the sentiments expressed in the House to the French Embassy.