Aberdeen City Council leader councillor Jenny Laing paid tribute to one of the journalists killed in Paris who was “well known by many people in Aberdeen”.
The victims have been mourned across the world while today police are closing in on the two suspects in a printers in north east France.
Councillor Laing today spoke out on behalf of the council, paying tribute to one of the victims, Michel Renaud, who worked in the mayor’s office in Aberdeen’s French twin city Clermont-Ferrand and retired in 2010.
Renaud took part in a number of twinning events with Aberdeen and was said to simply be visiting the Charlie Hebdo offices when he was shot and killed.
Councillor Laing said: “Along with millions of freedom-loving people across the world, I was profoundly shocked by the events in Paris this week and appalled by this barbaric attack on our fellow human beings and on our shared core values of freedom of speech.
“The incident has struck us deeply in Aberdeen because Michel was well known by many of our citizens, including City Council staff, who have engaged in twinning events over the years in Clermont-Ferrand and here in this city.
“I am sure I speak for the people of Aberdeen when I say our thoughts and prayers are with his widow Gala and Michel’s family and friends.
“The Lord Provost has been in contact with Clermont-Ferrand to express our deep sorrow and we will be writing to our friends and colleagues there to reaffirm our support at this terribly difficult time.”