Derek Fox has responded to criticism he has fielded following his comments on Social Media claiming the editor of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo had "paid the price for his arrogance."
A three-day mourning period has been declared in France, however, Derek Fox, accused the editor (Stephane Charbonnier) of being a “bully believing he could insult other peoples culture and with impunity and he believed he would be protected in his racism and bigotry by the French state.”
Derek Fox told Te Kāea reporter Heeni Brown today, that while he felt for the families of those hurt and did not condone the violence, he also believed people should not be surprised this happened as the magazine had continuously insulted the Muslim faith and its prophet, even though they were aware of the volatility of the situation and the tendency of many extremists within the Muslim faith to carry out acts of extreme violence.
He told Te Kāea he thought the reason the behaviour of the magazine continued was purely to, boost sales, even after the anger of those within the Muslim faith had been expressed and seen clearly by many.
Meanwhile the Māori Party released a statement condemning the attack saying the Māori Party does not condone any form of violence.
Māori Party co-leader, Marama Fox says, “We understand that this devastating action is politically motivated. We do not accept that there is ever a reason for people to kill others because they hold and express a different view to their own,”
According to reports, 18-year-old Hamyd Mourad gave himself up and police are still searching for two brothers in their 30s, Said and Cherif Kouachi.
Heeni Brown will have all the details tonight on Te Kāea at 5:30 and 7pm with subtitles.