LONDON — World leaders responded to Wednesday's terrorist attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo with shock and dismay. Twelve people were killed in the onslaught, including journalists and police, as suspected Islamist militants raided the publication's office.
French President Francois Hollande:
"This is an act of exceptional barbarism."
Russian President Vladimir Putin:
"We decisively condemn this cynical crime. We reaffirm our readiness to continue active cooperation in combating the threat of terrorism."
"I strongly condemn the horrific shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris that has reportedly killed 12 people.... France is America's oldest ally, and has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the fight against terrorists who threaten our shared security and the world.
British Prime Minister David Cameron:
"This House and this country stand united with the French people in our opposition to all forms of terrorism and we stand squarely for free speech and democracy. These people will never be able to take us off those values."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel:
"This abhorrent act is not just an attack on the life of French citizens and the internal security of France. It also represents an attack on freedom of opinion and of the press, a core element of our free and democratic culture, for which there can be no justification."
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg:
"This was a barbaric act and an outrageous attack on press freedom.... All NATO allies stand together in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations can never be tolerated or justified."
Robert Mahoney, deputy director of the Committee to Protect Journalists:
"This is a brazen assault on free expression in the heart of Europe."
Stephan Oberreit, director of Amnesty International France:
"This is a dark day for freedom of expression and a vibrant press culture. But above all, it is an appalling human tragedy."
Queen Elizabeth:
"Prince Philip and I send our sincere condolences to the families of those who have been killed and to those who have been injured in the attack in Paris this morning. We send our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected."