R
acists and right wingers are trying to use Wednesday’s horrific killings in Paris to divide working people, justify imperialist intervention and whip up Islamophobia.
Almost everyone will recognise that the attacks are wrong and completely unacceptable. We must not let them be exploited to generate racism, justify more wars, or to give a boost to the far right. Te attacks came as Islamophobes, racists and fascists are on the offensive across Europe.
Scapegoating
In France the Nazi National Front seeks to win power on the basis of racist and Islamophobic scapegoating. In Germany the Pegida movement has taken to the streets in large numbers against Muslims and immigrants. And in Britain politicians—and Ukip in particular—seek to profit from racism. Te media present Charlie Hebdo as simply a “satirical magazine”. But it is not the French equivalent of Private Eye as some commentators have suggested. It may have been once, but it has become a specialist in presenting provocative and racist attacks on Islam. Tat does not justify the killings, but it is essential background.
Torture
Nor should we forget that year after year imperialism has launched wars, assassinations, drone attacks and torture across the Middle East and elsewhere. Such outrages create deep hatred. We should not be fooled into backing a war against Muslims masquerading as a fight for free speech.Let’s unite against racism and Islamophobia.
STATEMENT ON PARIS KILLINGS
www.socialistworker.co.uk
Name .........................................................Address .........................................................................................................................................................................................Phone............................................. ...........Email .........................................................
Send to: Membership, PO Box 42184, London SW8 2WD or email membership@swp.org.uk Got a story for us? Use the email address above or call 020 7819 1180 (editorial)
Charlie Hebdo leaflet 09/01/15
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R
acists and right wingers are trying to use Wednesday’s horrific killings in Paris to divide working people, justify imperialist intervention and whip up Islamophobia.
Almost everyone will recognise that the attacks are wrong and completely unacceptable. We must not let them be exploited to generate racism, justify more wars, or to give a boost to the far right. Te attacks came as Islamophobes, racists and fascists are on the offensive across Europe.
Scapegoating
In France the Nazi National Front seeks to win power on the basis of racist and Islamophobic scapegoating. In Germany the Pegida movement has taken to the streets in large numbers against Muslims and immigrants. And in Britain politicians—and Ukip in particular—seek to profit from racism. Te media present Charlie Hebdo as simply a “satirical magazine”. But it is not the French equivalent of Private Eye as some commentators have suggested. It may have been once, but it has become a specialist in presenting provocative and racist attacks on Islam. Tat does not justify the killings, but it is essential background.
Torture
Nor should we forget that year after year imperialism has launched wars, assassinations, drone attacks and torture across the Middle East and elsewhere. Such outrages create deep hatred. We should not be fooled into backing a war against Muslims masquerading as a fight for free speech.Let’s unite against racism and Islamophobia.
STATEMENT ON PARIS KILLINGS
www.socialistworker.co.uk
Name .........................................................Address .........................................................................................................................................................................................Phone............................................. ...........Email .........................................................
Send to: Membership, PO Box 42184, London SW8 2WD or email membership@swp.org.uk Got a story for us? Use the email address above or call 020 7819 1180 (editorial)
Charlie Hebdo leaflet 09/01/15
■
I want to get Socialist Worker regularly
■
I want to join the Socialist Workers Party
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