Condemning Copenhagen attacks, Ban urges 'strong stand' for tolerance, end to discrimination

Strongly condemning this weekend's attacks at a freedom of expression event near a synagogue in Copenhagen, Denmark, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed that there is no justification for attacks against civilians and reaffirmed the need for the world “stand strong” for tolerance and free expression.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York, Mr. Ban strongly condemned the shooting attacks in Copenhagen, which took place on 14 and 15 February 2015, respectively.

According to press reports, the first of two shootings occurred Saturday evening when a gunman attacked a cultural center during a discussion on free expression. The gunman later fired shots near a synagogue before he was reportedly tracked down and killed by police. In all, two civilians reportedly died in the attacks Saturday and earlier today. Five police officers were wounded, according to Danish authorities.

In his statement, the Secretary-General says that his thoughts are with the victims and their families, and that the UN stands in solidarity with the people and authorities of Denmark.

“The Secretary-General reaffirms that there is no justification for attacks against civilians and reiterates the need to stand strong for freedom of expression and tolerance,” the statement goes on to say and emphasizes that there is no space for anti-Semitism or any form of racial, ethnic or religious discrimination in today's world.