GUE/NGL condemns the horrific shootings in Copenhagen in which two people were killed and five people were injured.

Danish GUE/NGL MEP MEP Rina Ronja Kari said: “My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy go out to the victims and their families. This is a moment to stand united and defend our democracy and fundamental rights. Our response to attacks like these can never be to give in. Instead, together we must insist on democracy, fundamental rights and free speech. We also stress that this weekend's events must not not give way to hate and division. Community and unity across religious and cultural lines is the strongest response to these horrendous attacks. Neither should these attacks be used as justification for attacks on civil liberties.”

GUE/NGL President Gabi Zimmer said: “Any attempt on the lives of innocent people can only be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We are horrified at the news of yet more attacks of this nature in Europe.”

The first attack took place during a debate on 'Art, Blasphemy and Free Speech' with a focus on whether artists could dare to be blasphemous in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attack last month. Among the attendees was the French Ambassador Francois Zimeray and cartoonist Lars Vilks, who has faced death threats over his caricatures of the Prophet Muhammed. Both were unharmed in the attack. The second attack took place at Copenhagen's main synagogue.