France pays tribute to teacher Samuel Paty on his first death anniversary

French Prime Minister Jean Castex and several schools paid tribute to Samuel Paty-- a school teacher-- who was murdered by an Islamist on October 16, last year. On his first death anniversary, Castex said that 47-year-old defended France's core values.

Notably, he was beheed by Abdoullakh Anzorov, a Moscow-born Chechen refugee after Paty showed caricatures of prophet of Islam to his class. Paty, a history and geography teacher, was murdered near his school in northwest Paris last year. According to police, 18-year-old teenager was a staunch follower of a rical Islamist organisation. He was eliminated by police during an exchange of fire. 

Have a look at social media post of Jean Castex:

"A servant of Republic was killed. That is why to pay tribute to Samuel Paty means to pay tribute to Republic and to our fundamental freedoms," news agency Sputnik quoted Castex as saying at a ceremony at Ministry of Education where a plaque commemorating teacher was unveiled.  plaque says he was "assassinated by an Islamist terrorist for teaching and defending Republic's values, including freedom of expression." French authorities organised two-day national homage and directed teachers to organise a discussion in classes as a mark of respect to departed soul. 

'We will never forget him': Education Minister

Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer, who was also attended homage ceremony said, "We must not succumb to fear," and ded French republic won't abandon its values of freedom and democracy. "Samuel Paty was doing what was expected from a teacher: transmit knowledge.” He wanted to teach his students to think by mselves ... We will never forget him,” Blanquer said. Some classrooms and schools will be named after teacher, Blanquer stressed. Notably, killing led French authorities to reaffirm France’s cherished rights of expression and secularism.

What happened with French teacher before his 'assassination'

It is worth mentioning that French authorities claimed that name of a 50-year-old teacher was disclosed on several social media showing Paty displaying caricatures published by satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in front of a classroom during a debate on free expression. authorities believed that disclosure of his name was an attempt to mobilise a crowd against him.  According to police, y have filed a charge sheet in which most of m are charged for 'complicity in a terrorist murder' or 'criminal association.' Those who have been accused of a 50-year-old teacher's assassination, include five students of Paty’s school and are minors. y helped killer in exchange for promises of payments of 300-350 euros ($348-$406). 

(With inputs from ANI/AP)

(Image: Twitter/@JeanCASTEX)