Religious extremism leads to brutality

For all its barbaric nature and ruthless manner, the horrific massacre at the office of Charlie Hebdo in Paris was an act of cowardice that must be condemned by people of all cultures and beliefs.

The deadliest terrorist attack in France in decades, which left 12 dead and three others critically inju1red, is another reminder of the threat of religious extremism to world peace and human dignity.

Judging from their own claim, the perpetrators are Islamic extremists seeking revenge on disrespectful "infidels". As a satirical weekly, some of Charlie Hebdo's references to certain religions, including Islam and Prophet Mohammad, have been controversial. But that is a matter of appropriateness that could and should have been approached in a civilized manner.