Yesterday’s attack on the offices of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris was not only a crime against the media and the freedom of expression but it was also an insult to Prophet Mohammad and to the teaching of the Islamic faith Imam Mohammed El Sadi said today.

He categorically condemned the criminal attack “irrespective of the identity of the perpetrators, their ideology or their motive”.

Mr El Sadi said that revering and loving Muhammad was not expressed by violence and bloodshed but by showing and materialising the true values of respect for the sanctity of the human life, tolerance and peaceful coexistence between cultures.

“This heinous assault is a blow against the good relations between the French people and the Islamic world and the noble support of the French people for the Islamic just causes especially the Palestinian cause.

“Unfortunately, it took place after the support of the French Government for the recent Palestinian bid at United Nations Security Council to end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian lands.

“This coward attack is against Islam and Muslims because it damages the image of Islam, fuels Islamophobia, hatred and injustice against the peaceful and innocent mainstream Muslims.”

Mr El Sadi said the Muslim community in Malta extended its sincere condolences to the French government, people and families of the victims and wished the casualties a speedy recovery.

The attack was yesterday also condemned by the Almahadiyya Muslims Malta, among others.