On January 7, 2025, France will mark the tenth anniversary of the tragic Charlie Hebdo attacks, which shook the nation and reignited dialogues around freedom of expression, resilience, and the role of satire. Over three days, from January 7 to 9, France Télévisions will host special programming aimed at honoring the memories of the victims and fostering meaningful discussions about the challenges still faced today.
During this poignant commemoration, titled "Charlie, envers et contre tout", viewers can expect to engage with exclusive documentaries, survivor testimonies, and debates addressing the question: "Peut-on encore tout dire ?" (Can we still say everything?). This phrase has become emblematic, representing the enduring fight for freedom of expression. Caroline Roux will host a pivotal debate from the Bibliothèque nationale de France, highlighting the historical significance of the venue as home to important works on freedom of expression.
The programming will include contributions from notable Charlie Hebdo figures, including Riss and Coco, who will share their experiences and discuss the evolution of contemporary satire since the events of January 2015. Riss recently remarked, "Il faut transmettre" (We must transmit), emphasizing the necessity of educating future generations about the values upheld by the publication. The series seeks not only to reflect on the past but also to look toward the future.
One of the standout features will be the documentary “Charlie, envers et contre tout,” directed by Jérôme Lambert and Philippe Picard, which offers insights from within the sheltered environment of Charlie Hebdo's creative team. The documentary captures the dynamic atmosphere of the editorial meetings—characterized by laughter amid gravity—showing how the team continues to produce content with the spirit of defiance against oppression. Coco noted, "C’est une vraie cour de récré, malgré tout" (It's really like a playground, after all), highlighting how humor remains integral to their mission.
The emotional narrative will also center around the story of Michel Catalano, the last man to face the Kouachi brothers two days after the attack. His harrowing account will be presented alongside his reflections on the long road to recovery and the impact of this traumatic experience, with Catalano poignantly stating, "Je veux redevenir celui que j’étais avant ce jour-là" (I want to become the person I was before this day). His story encapsulates the broader theme of resilience evident throughout the commemoration.
Franceinfo and TV5MONDE will also play key roles, broadcasting special segments and discussions aimed at both national and global audiences. This inclusive approach ensures the commemoration resonates widely, reinforcing freedom of expression as a universal value. Viewers will witness stirring testimonials, as well as the evolution of societal perspectives on satire and expression.
With guests ranging from artists and writers to terrorism specialists, the debate will explore pressing questions about the price of opinion and whether art can retain its provocative edge without crossing unacceptable lines. The lineup includes insightful contributions from figures such as Éric Fottorino, Marjane Satrapi, and humorists Sophia Aram and Philippe Caverivière, creating a rich dialogue around the continuing relevance of Charlie Hebdo’s mission.
The events from January 7 to 9 will not only serve to honor the victims and their families but will also act as a catalyst for important discussions about the balance between freedom of expression and respecting diverse perspectives. A decade since the harrowing events, many are asking: Are we still Charlie?
Through hard-hitting documentaries, personal narratives, and engaging debates, the 10th anniversary commemoration is poised to be both mourning and celebration, igniting discussions about the resilience of ideals and the importance of sharing their memory to avoid repeating history.