Grace Eracleous reports on early responses to the Paris massacre.
Cities around the world held hands with one another in a display of solidarity and strength this weekend, to show support and unity against the barbaric terrorist attacks which Paris endured during the evening of Friday 13 November.
In East London, the City of London’s Lord Mayor’s show, which typically culminates in a fireworks display, ended this Saturday by projecting a tricolour (the national flag of France) onto Tower Bridge, one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Likewise, over the weekend Sydney Opera House, Tokyo Tower, San Francisco City Hall and Washington Square Arch were all lit up in red, white and blue.
Targeting six different locations across Paris, eight extremists carried out premeditated, cold-blooded attacks, resulting in more than 130 deaths and over 200 casualties. These acts of terror are said to have been committed in response to France’s role in the aerial bombing of ISIS strongholds in Syria.
Paris and London were pioneers of modern city life, with civil liberties and the pursuit of happiness at its core. When this way of life comes under attack, Londoners are quick to show their solidarity with Parisians.
At the Old Bailey and the Mayor’s residence, flags flew at half-mast. The Lord Mayor’s show began with two minutes of silence. National, regional and local politicians were all active on social media, sending their condolences to the victims’ families and to the people of Paris.
East London will continue to stand strong in the face of terror and stand proud in support of French people and Parisians everywhere.
Photo by gnuckx used under Creative Commons License: www.flickr.com/photos/gnuckx