Passion for Freedom

On January 7th, the world marks ten years since a calculated act of terror unfolded at the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo. Armed with Kalashnikovs, two Islamists, enraged by the satirical magazine’s depiction of the Prophet Muhammad, stormed the building and carried out a massacre. Within moments, twelve lives were taken, including eight members of the editorial staff. This atrocity was not merely an attack on a magazine. It was an assault on the Enlightenment principle that no idea, no belief, no figure is beyond scrutiny or satire — a violent attempt to impose a prohibition on critique. FSU Director of Education and Events, @janmacvarish, recently appeared on GB News to discuss the legacy of the Charlie Hebdo attack and its relevance a decade later. As part of our commemoration, we will join @OurFightUK at Trafalgar Square on January 7th at 10:15 am to honor the victims, stand in solidarity with @Charlie_Hebdo_, and reaffirm the enduring importance of protecting free expression from those who seek to undermine it. Join us in remembering those who fell, standing against terror, and defending free speech. #JeSuisCharlie2025

Tonight in London, Passion for Freedom had the honor of meeting Ayaan Hirsi Ali @Ayaan. Grateful for her unwavering dedication to women's rights and her elegant persistence in defending freedom. A true inspiration in the fight for a better world. Thank you @NewCultureForum for organizing this wonderful event 🙂

This is the QR code to our @Freedom_in_Arts survey. Please fill in before 30th November.

The arts world should be a space for experimentation and freedom, but has it become increasingly influenced by an ‘I find that offensive’ mentality? Listen to Wendy Earle, Manick Govinda and Agnieszka Kolek in conversation about the state of artistic expression in Poland on the latest Arts First podcast: academyofideas.uk/p/is-a-pas… @wearliegig @InesP4F @manick62