Freedom of speech requires consideration of consequences first

While it is the right of every individual to avail themselves of "freedom of speech", it is also their obligation to utilise this freedom in the interest of harmony and peace.

Freedom of speech does not translate into "free speech" - so whimsical or satirical that it hurts the religious sentiments of others, thereby inducing a societal condition for emotional reprisals, lending to incitement of anger, hatred and followed by vindications.

The use of any kind of freedom carries with it a responsibility. It should be used with caution and sensitivity, and should never turn into misuse or abuse. The incisive questions, then, are: To what purpose was the cartoon by Charlie Hebdo published? And to what purpose was the rally of leaders organised, with slogans of "Je suis Charlie"?

Was it to protect one's right of freedom of expression, or to provoke reprisals, or was it a defiant response against terrorism or any religious group? Just because the killers happened to belong to a certain faith does not mean they belonged to any specified terrorist group or represented the entire community of the same or similar faith.

Undoubtedly no one in their right mind will condone barbaric or brutal behaviour, or criminal acts by fanatics, or attempts to mislead individuals. Such elements need to be put to rest by all countries with no exclusions.

Fighting for one's rights in a literal sense, or imposing one's beliefs and rights on others, can lead to the infringement of other people's rights, which, again, can result in acts of violence.