UPDATE: Newsagents expecting to be selling copies of French magazine Charlie Hebdo in Worcester today did not receive any of the satirical publication.

Simon Jones at Trinity News in Worcester city centre said they had been inundated with people trying to get hold of a copy of the magazine this morning but they had not received any copies.

He apologised to anyone who had been left disappointed.

 

CONTROVERSIAL magazine Charlie Hebdo will be on sale in Worcester tomorrow (Friday).

The French satirical magazine made headlines around the world when it was attacked by militant Islamists who killed eight of its staff, including the editor, last Wednesday, January 7.

This week the first edition of the publication since the attack was released featuring the prophet Mohammad weeping on the cover underneath the words, "Tout Est Pardonne" meaning "All is forgiven".

Around five millions copies of the magazine have now been printed, dwarfing the normal amount of about 60,000.

It's thought around 1,000 copies have been imported to the UK and some of these will be on sale in Worcester tomorrow, with many already reserved.

One newsagents in Worcester's city centre, Trinity News, said the decision to stock Charlie Hebdo following the attacks was based on the ideals of freedom of speech.

Simon Jones, owner of the shop, said they had no idea how many copies they would receive but they had ordered about 15.

"We actually got an order shot to ask if we wanted to stock it. The real reason was freedom of speech, if a magazine wanted to publish their view.

"I think what happened was atrocious, all those people were doing were creating a satirical magazine that they have been printing for years.

"For these terrorists to go in an do what they did. I can't see what they were trying to do.

"We thought we have the opportunity to have a few in and put a few on the side and see what happens. It's freedom of speech."

Another Worcester newsagents said they had ordered one copy on request while E.E Johnson and Son in Ombersley Road said they had ordered around 20, which would be on sale tomorrow.

It appears none of the larger chains in Worcester will be stocking the magazine, which is only available in the UK from tomorrow, while prices online varied from £65 to £185.

But the actions of the magazine have been condemned by local Muslim leaders.

Haris Saleem, chairman of the Muslim Welfare Association, said he "condemned" the cartoon, which he found "insulting".

Sajid Riasat, administrator at Worcester Mosque, added: "We are living in a democracy and freedom of speech is a right. But the right to express yourself freely doesn't mean you have a duty to offend and Charlie Hebdo seems to have a history of doing that very well.

"I find it quite interesting this magazine seems to be targeting a section of community that's marginalised in there society.

"Whether it was published in the Arctic or Australia I would still be offended. I still have the right to be offended as these people have the right to offend."