A man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his attempt to murder two individuals with a meat cleaver outside the former Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo in September 2020. Zaheer Mahmood, originally from Pakistan, struck after the publication of controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Unaware that Charlie Hebdo had relocated, he targeted employees of the Premieres Lignes news agency, severely injuring two. His convictions include attempted murder and terrorist conspiracy; upon serving his sentence, he will also face deportation from France.
Man Sentenced to 30 Years for 2020 Meat Cleaver Attack Near Charlie Hebdo
Man Sentenced to 30 Years for 2020 Meat Cleaver Attack Near Charlie Hebdo
Zaheer Mahmood, 29, received a 30-year prison sentence for his deadly intentions against Charlie Hebdo staff in Paris, sparking discussions about radicalization and security.
In addition to Mahmood, five other men of Pakistani origin received sentences ranging from three to twelve years for aiding in the conspiracy. The court proceedings for the younger defendants were held in juvenile court due to their ages at the time of the crime. Mahmood's attack was reportedly inspired by radical rhetoric, particularly a call for vengeance made by Pakistani preacher Khadim Hussain Rizvi.
Armed with a meat cleaver, Mahmood attacked the employees, which led to witnesses recalling the chaotic scene of "bloodied" victims fleeing. The victims were present during the sentencing but did not comment on Mahmood's pleas for forgiveness. One victim described the lasting emotional injury from the attack, sharing insights into his ongoing rehabilitation. Mahmood's defense highlighted his struggles in adapting to French society, emphasizing his disconnected life among fellow Pakistanis and lack of French language skills.
The incident reignited longstanding concerns about terrorism and radicalization in France, particularly following the original Charlie Hebdo attacks in 2015 which resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals and were linked to al-Qaeda.
Armed with a meat cleaver, Mahmood attacked the employees, which led to witnesses recalling the chaotic scene of "bloodied" victims fleeing. The victims were present during the sentencing but did not comment on Mahmood's pleas for forgiveness. One victim described the lasting emotional injury from the attack, sharing insights into his ongoing rehabilitation. Mahmood's defense highlighted his struggles in adapting to French society, emphasizing his disconnected life among fellow Pakistanis and lack of French language skills.
The incident reignited longstanding concerns about terrorism and radicalization in France, particularly following the original Charlie Hebdo attacks in 2015 which resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals and were linked to al-Qaeda.
