Toronto city hall flies French flag to honour those slain at Charlie Hebdo

TORONTO – The French flag is flying outside Toronto’s city hall today in solidarity with the people of France and in memory of the 12 people killed in a terrorist attack at a Paris newspaper.

The satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo had long drawn threats for its depictions of the Prophet Muhammad, although it also satirized other religions and political figures.

Toronto Mayor John Tory said Torontonians should remain steadfast in their belief of freedom of speech and support those who are struggling to be heard around the world.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Thursday that the attack on Charlie Hebdo was an attack on democracy.

The Canadian Embassy in Paris is flying its flag at half mast and some Canadian publications have said they’ll publish the cartoons as a show of solidarity with the Paris-based newspaper.

Toronto Coun. Norm Kelly said he’s asked the CN Tower to light up red, white and blue — the colours of the French flag — on Thursday night.