3 Million Charlie Hebdo Latest Edition Copies Released

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The catastrophic event at the French Satirical weekly magazine Charlie Hebdo on January 7 2015 has jolted the world. Two equipped terrorists stormed into the headquarter of Charlie Hebdo murdering 12 people which include the co-founder, cartoonist, editor- in- chief and journalists. Grief is heard hitherto worldwide as they adopt the recently prominent phrase ‘Je Suis Charlie’ as a symbol of empathy towards the victimized of the event and to enhance the promotion of freedom of speech and expression which evidently has been greatly undermined by the two gunmen.

In the midst of heatedly discussed issue, the surviving members of the satirical magazine have prepared 3 million copies of the latest edition in the office of French newspaper Liberation. The latest edition was said to have been done on Monday at 21.30 pm local time and will be available for worldwide purchase on Wednesday (14/01/2015).

"Charlie Hebdo will be in kiosks this Wednesday, January 14. Like it is every week," as quoted from the French Liberation Newspaper (14/01/2015).

The front page of the recently released Charlie Hebdo shows 'Prophet Muhammad' with teary- eye and sad face holding a 'Je Suis Charlie' sign. The writing above him says ‘Tout Est Pardonne’ which means ‘All is Forgiven’. The cartoon drawn by Renald Luzier, as one of the surviving member of Charlie Hebdo, was to symbolize the strength of Charlie Hebdo. It simply clarifies that despite the incident, Charlie is not dead. Additionally, the writing conveys how all is forgiven despite the calamity the alleged terrorist has caused and the large- scale insecurity they have exerted to the world.

It is also written to symbolize the strength of those who have been assassinated for they have spent years dedicating themselves to write and draw taboo materials condemned by many fearlessly.

The 44 year old magazine has been prominently known for its confidence in presenting materials that are deemed taboos by many. It has released many editions depicting political, religious and other figures in a provocative light.

This week’s publication will be offered in 16 languages. Initially the printing will only come to one million copies, however the demand for it has escalated both domestically and internationally. Thus, the decision to release at least 3 million copies has been confirmed. The surviving staff work on their latest issue using equipment given by Le Monde Daily and funded by both local and foreign media. The demand for more copies has helped them to regain confidence and prominence from the possibility o falling into bankruptcy post the attack.

"Charlie Hebdo had been sliding towards bankruptcy before the deadly attack, but since gaining worldwide notoriety in the past few days it has won pledges of support from the French government," as quoted from ABC News (14/01/2015). (Akp/Ein)