Paris Attacks: Policeman's Family 'Devastated'

The brother of the Muslim police officer killed in the attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine has said people must not think that Muslims are the same as extremists.

Malek Merabet said those who killed his brother Ahmed Merabet were not doing what they did because they represented any "religion", it was because they were "mad men".

Mr Merabet was speaking on behalf of his family in their home town of Livry-Gargan, a suburb on the outskirts of the French capital Paris.

Ahmed Merabet, 42, was shot and killed at close range as Said and Cherif Kouachi attacked the offices of the satirical magazine in the centre of the city on Wednesday.

Malek Merabet said: "French, of Algerian origin, Muslim of faith, I am very proud of Ahmed Merabet; that he represented the French police and defended the republic. Freedom, equality and fraternity."

With his voice cracking up, he said: "He looked after his mother and his closest family, after his father died 20 years ago.

"He was a pillar of the family and despite his responsibilities, his work, he remained a very protective father, a lovely brother, a very spoiled uncle and a loving companion.

"We are devastated by this barbaric act. We are devastated for all the victims."

Addressing his comments to all people who he described as "racists", "Islamophobes and anti-semites" he said: "You mustn't mix up extremism with Muslims. The mad men have no colour nor religion.

"Stop associating or starting wars or burning mosques and burning synagogues because you are attacking people. It won't bring back the dead and it won't comfort the families."

When asked how they felt about the outpouring of feeling on the streets of France, he said: "We are very proud of these rallies. That really helps us. We are very pleased those people are there for us.

"It proves that there can be a union, when you take into consideration all the massacres that have taken place. We'll go on fighting for the families of the dead."

His partner, named in reports as Morgane Ahmed, said she found out about his death when she saw it on television.

She said: "I was in a restaurant and the television was on. I didn't recognise him. I saw a photograph - an image of a man on the ground.

"I tried to call him. I sent him a text. I tried to phone him. And then his sister called me.

"One can only be proud. Of his commitment, of his will to defend people. But, as far as we are concerned, we are just mourning. That's all."

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