"This attack is an atrocity that cannot be justified in any way, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. At the same time, it is an attack on freedom of expression, one of the EU’s core values,” said FRA Director Morten Kjaerum. “In the difficult days and weeks that will follow this heinous act of violence, we must remain critically mindful of the importance of respect for dignity, for freedom of thought, conscience and religion and respect for non-discrimination that lie at the heart of European society."

FRA is currently chair of the Network of the EU’s agencies, which were set up to provide legal, technical and scientific expertise on specific subjects. FRA is mandated to provide evidence-based advice to EU and national decision makers on fundamental rights issues, thereby contribut