Foreign Minister Sends Condolences To France

Iceland’s Foreign Minister, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, has expressed his condolences to France in the wake of the attack on satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo yesterday, reports RÚV.

Horrified by the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo. My sincere condolences to France on this dark day.

— Gunnar Bragi (@GunnarBragiS) January 7, 2015

Currently a manhunt is underway in Paris to track down two masked gunmen who invaded the editorial offices of Charlie Hebdo yesterday and opened fire on the paper’s staff during a lunchtime editorial meeting.

Twelve people are confirmed dead and eleven injured. According to Agence France Presse news agency, a third accomplice, an 18 year old man, has surrendered to the police.

Icelandic artists and cartoonists, including Grapevine mainstay Lóa Hjálmtýsdóttir, have taken to sharing work inspired by yesterday’s events on social media.

#CharlieHebdo #JeSuisCharlie pic.twitter.com/A3Ta3CwRIU

— Loa Hjalmtysdottir (@Loahlin) January 7, 2015

#jesuischarlie #charliehebdo pic.twitter.com/MT4d8RyZDc

— Bobby Breiðholt (@Breidholt) January 8, 2015

The Grapevine has received notice that those who would like to show support and solidarity for the people of France can attend an assembly by the French Embassy’s garden in Reykjavík (Túngata 22) tonight at 6 pm.

The embassy, which is located on Túngata 22, 101 Reykjavík, posted thanks on their Facebook page this morning after finding a red rose and an unsigned card that read, “Our condolences. Vive la France!”