Man Sentenced to Thirty Years for Murder Attempts at Former Charlie Hebdo Office

paris, france - A 29-year-old Pakistani man, Zaheer Mahmood, has been sentenced to thirty years in prison for a knife attack at the former Charlie Hebdo office in 2020.

Motive Behind the Attack

The attack in 2015 was triggered by the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in Charlie Hebdo. The magazine republished them in September 2020, leading Mahmood to seek revenge weeks later. Standing at the old office was a result of confusion as the editorial team had relocated post the 2015 attack.

Verdict and Consequences

Mahmood was found guilty of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit terrorism. The court also imposed a permanent ban from French territory, indicating deportation post his detention. Mahmood, having migrated from rural Pakistan for a better life, was described as being radicalized under the influence of cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi.

Accomplices and Sentences

In addition to Mahmood, five others were convicted, receiving prison terms ranging from three to twelve years for aiding and abetting the attacks, some being minors at the time of the incidents.