The 10th anniversary commemoration ceremonies of the Charlie Hebdo and Hyper Cacher massacres, an evening of commemoration “are not welcome” at the l’Univers cinema on rue Georges Danton in Lille.
The commemoration evening on January 11, 2025 of the 10 years of the massacres of January 2015, organized by Printemps Républicain and the Les Mariannes du Nord association, with the broadcast of the documentary film by Isabelle Cottenceau on Richard Malka’s pleading at the trial, with a time for discussion with the spectators in the presence of Marika Bret, president of the PR, and the president of the Les Mariannes du Nord association, framed by the exhibition of 50 drawings by Charb (exhibited last month in Côte d’or: ) is not welcome at the Lille Universe cinema.
“The L’univers cinema on rue Georges Danton in Lille had given an agreement in principleand we spoke during our meeting on November 7 about the fact that Ms. Marika Bret had been living for 10 years under police protection and the possibility of fears that this could arouse. Fear is human, it can be discussed and anticipated, but the director assured us that this did not pose a problem.
The CA, meeting on Thursday, November 21, finally refused the event on the grounds that this film and these drawings would be “tendentious”. “Tendentious” Charb’s drawings, “tendentious” Richard Malka’s pleading.
Additional explanations were requested from the CA: it would ultimately be Printemps Républicain “which has controversial positions which are not in agreement with the editorial line of this place” which poses a problem. The association “Les Mariannes du Nord” can offer a session on this theme, but by choosing a different angle and speakers.”
Some comments:
– Charb was assassinated by Islamist terrorists due to these drawings but these are not welcome in the Universe to commemorate the 10 years of his death
– The pleading of Richard Malka which describes the process of this event and which provides reflection tools to cope with it is not welcome to the Universe 10 years after the events
– Le Printemps Républicain which since its creation in 2016 has defended the values of the French Republic : universalism, equality, liberty, fraternity and secularism is not welcome in this associative place financed by local and national authorities. And we won’t know what the controversial positions are…
– Marika Bret, president of the PR and former HR director of Charlie Hebdo who has lived under police protection for 10 years is not welcome at the Cinema l’Univers.
– Myself, referent for the Hauts de France of the Republican Spring and having been for more than 30 years a radiologist at the cancer center in Lille (Centre Oscar Lambret) I’m not welcome at the Univers cinema.
The team responsible for the venue fears “potential heated debates, disagreements and discontent”. For information, the play taken from Charb’s book “Open letter to the crooks of Islamophobia who play into the hands of the racists” was performed on October 11, 2024 at the Théâtre de la Verrière in Lille and the debate which followed did not give rise to there was no controversy or excess but a calm exchange was able to take place. This is also the choice that was made in Gers and Toulouse with the support of the town hall, the regional council and the departmental council.
10 years after the massacre, 9 years after the Bataclan, 4 years after the assassination of Samuel Paty, 1 year after that of Dominique Bernard it is not possible in this associative place of cinema l’Univers in Lille to envisage that ‘a peaceful exchange can take place even if we have disagreements. (Which ones on this subject?)
Just a lack of courage?
Do local authorities have another place to offer us? ?
Sophie Taïeb – Referent for Hauts de France for Printemps Républicain.
Do you believe the cinema’s concerns about potential controversy outweigh the importance of remembering the victims of the Charlie Hebdo attack and upholding freedom of expression?
## World Today News Interview: Commemorating Charlie Hebdo
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we are discussing a controversial decision made by the Cinema l’Univers in Lille, France. The cinema has denied hosting a commemoration event marking the 10th anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo and Hyper Cacher massacres. This event, organized by Printemps Républicain and Les Mariannes du Nord, planned to feature a screening of a documentary on Richard Malka’s trial pleading and an exhibition of Charb’s drawings.
To delve deeper into this issue, we are joined by two guests:
* **Sophie Taïeb,** Referent for Hauts de France for Printemps Républicain, and organizer of the cancelled event.
* **[Guest 2 Name & Title],** an expert on freedom of speech and cultural memory.
**Section 1: The Decision and its Rationale**
* **Sophie**, can you tell us more about the event you were planning and why the Cinema l’Univers ultimately refused to host it? What were the specific reasons given by the cinema’s administration?
* **[Guest 2],** what are your thoughts on the cinema’s decision? Do you believe it is justified to refuse hosting an event based on the potentially sensitive content involved? What are the broader implications of such a decision for freedom of expression and remembrance?
**Section 2: Context and Meaning**
* **Sophie, **You mentioned that Charb was assassinated due to his drawings, and these same drawings were deemed “tendentious” by the cinema. How do you respond to this characterization? What is the significance of displaying these drawings in the context of remembering the Charlie Hebdo atrocity?
* **[Guest 2],** The article states that Printemps Républicain’s values were also deemed controversial. What does this suggest about the current state of public discourse on issues like secularism and republican values in France?
**Section 3: Fear of Disagreement and the Role of Public Spaces**
* **Sophie,** The cinema expressed concerns about “potential heated debates, disagreements and discontent.” How would you respond to these fears? Do you believe open conversation about sensitive topics is essential, even if it sometimes leads to disagreement?
* **[Guest 2],** How important is it for public spaces like cinemas and theaters to host events that may spark controversy? What is the role of these spaces in fostering dialog and understanding even on difficult topics?
**Section 4: Seeking Alternative Solutions**
* **Sophie,**
Have you been able to find alternative venues willing to host your commemoration event? Do you believe local authorities should be more proactive in supporting events like yours?
* **[Guest 2],**
What can be done to create a more inclusive and tolerant environment for open dialog on sensitive topics? How can we ensure that diverse voices are heard and respected, even when they spark debate?
**Conclusion**
This event cancellation raises important questions about freedom of expression, the commemoration of tragedies, and the role of public spaces in fostering open dialog. We thank Sophie Taïeb and [Guest 2 Name] for sharing their insights and perspectives. We encourage our viewers to engage in thoughtful discussion on these critical issues.
