The start of 2015 has been dominated by the assault on the office of the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine on Wednesday 7 Jan 2015 and the unfolding of events over the ensuing days.
On Sunday 11 January 2015 rallies were organised in major cities to commemorate those who lost their lives and to show unity. I went to the Sheffield event held at Barkers Pool.
I heard Kenan Malik being interviewed on BBC News on Weds 7 Jan on the need to defend freedom of speech and how in a pluralistic society it is inevitable that some people will be offended. He warns against increasing self-censorship.
Here are some articles which provide an analysis of the issues:
Pandemonium: 'Je suis charlie? it's a bit late' by Kenan Malik
Spiked: 'In solidarity with Charlie Hebdo: fight for the right to be offensive', by Brendan O'Neill
The Conversation: 'Charlie Hebdo offends - and we must defend its right to do so' by Bill Durodie