UK Distributors of Charlie Hebdo Next Issue Say Security Threat Unlikely

UK magazine distributors do not think there will be a security threat and prepare to release the new edition of the French Charlie Hebdo newspaper.

MOSCOW, January 13 (Sputnik) — UK magazine distributors preparing to release the new edition of the French Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper say they do not believe they will be at risk of violent reprisal.

"I think most of the papers have covered it and some have used the cartoons and some haven't but I don't think there's necessarily a security threat," a COMAG distributor spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Telegraph on Tuesday.

He said that currently 200 copies would be released, possibly reaching a maximum of 1,000. The spokesperson noted, however, that it was "a one-off," with the issue's distribution intended as a gesture of solidarity following the attack.

"We don't expect to face particular (security) issues, but we will take whatever precautions our security team believe are sensible to ensure the safety of our employees," Menzies Distribution communications head Dave Shedden was quoted by The Telegraph as saying.

On January 7, three men attacked the office of Charlie Hebdo in Paris, killing 12 people. The two terrorists responsible for the attack were killed later during a police raid. The third suspect turned himself in.

The French magazine is known for its cartoons mocking political and religious figures, among them the Prophet Muhammad, with the cover of the new Charlie Hebdo edition, out on Wednesday, depicting the Prophet. The new issue is anticipated to have a circulation of as high as three million copies, significantly higher than its usual 60,000 print run.