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Charlie Hebdo criticised for publishing satirical Aylan Kurdi cartoons

French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has been criticised for publishing three cartoons in its ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

13.01 15 Sep 2015


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Charlie Hebdo criticised for p...

Charlie Hebdo criticised for publishing satirical Aylan Kurdi cartoons

Newstalk
Newstalk

13.01 15 Sep 2015


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French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has been criticised for publishing three cartoons in its current issue covering the death of Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi.

The magazine rose to international attention after a terrorist attack in its Paris offices left 12 dead in January, and has published satirical images of the prophet Muhammad, as well as scathing attacks on Islam and Islamic fundamentalism.

On this week’s cover, the publication offers a satirical look at the French and European welcome to Syrian migrants, showing a European man telling a Syrian refugee, acting as his footstool, to feel at home here.

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[Charlie Hebdo]

But it is the cartoons credited to the acting editor  Laurent ‘Riss’ Sourisseau, inside the magazine that have caused the most controversy. 

The image of the boy, who along with his mother and brother drowned while attempting to make it to a Greek island, was shared widely on social media and has been cited as a driving force in changing political and public support in Europe towards assisting Syrian refugees, is three times referenced in cartoons on Aylan’s death. 

[Twitter]

In the above image, under the headline 'So close to the goal...', Aylan's body lies in front of a fast food sign advertising a promotion offering two children's meals for the price of one at a fast food restaurant. In a second similar image, his body is flanked by Casimir, the cuddly dinosaur host of the French kid's TV show Île aux enfants:

[Twitter]

While in a third, Riss draws Jesus Christ walking on water, while - presumably - Aylan is drowning, presented under the headline 'Proof that Europe is Christian... Christians walk on water, Muslim children sink.'

[Twitter]

Charlie Hebdo’s images have received considerable online attention, with critics claiming it is being offensive, while others say it is merely shining a light on the West’s slow reaction to the crisis.

Riss, the cartoonist, survived the January attacks on the magazine’s offices, but has had to be chaperoned at all times by armed, plain-clothed police officers since becoming the acting editor eight months ago.


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