A brilliant hashtag has been born in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, seeking to counter virulent anti-Muslim sentiment.
As soon as news of the shootings and explosions in France's capital broke, many were quick to blame Islam as a whole and tar all followers of the religion with the same brush.
Of course this is a horrendously simplistic view as eloquently highlighted in a tweet by LSE student Daniel Wickham.
The hashtag #TerrorismHasNoReligion began to trend on Saturday morning as people sought to counter the bigots.
At least 140 people were killed in Paris on Friday as a wave of terror attacks swept the French capital, including suicide bombings, a shooting and a hostage situation.
In the deadliest violence witnessed in Europe in decades, more than 100 people were slain at the Bataclan theatre after gunmen took hostages. French security forces raided the concert theatre, which was hosting an American rock band, killing two assailants. Speaking with The Guardian after escaping the Bataclan, a man described the scene as "carnage," adding there were "bodies everywhere."
SEE ALSO:
- 100 Dead At Bataclan, Scene Described As 'Carnage'
- Politicians Across The Globe React To Deadly Attacks In Paris
- Obama: Paris Attacks Are 'Attack On All Of Humanity'
- Eyewitnesses Describe Frenzied Aftermath
- Hollande Orders Borders Closed, Paris Under Mandatory Curfew
- Moment An Explosion Rocked A Soccer Match In Paris
- We Are All Parisians, Again
- Messages Of Support And Solidarity For Paris
Eight extremists were killed in Paris, including seven in suicide bombings.
At least one gunman opened fire outside the Petit Cambodge restaurant in the 10th district, leaving 11 people dead.
Two explosions occurred outside the Stade de France stadium north of Paris during a friendly match between France and Germany, killing three people. The police later confirmed these were suicide attacks. The sound of the explosions was captured by cameras filming the match (Vine below). Hollande, who was in attendance, was evacuated from the ground.
Of course not everyone agreed.
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR:
- At least 127 dead, and fears death toll could be around 140
- At least five locations targeted in suicide bombings and shootings
- More than 100 slain at Bataclan concert theatre after hostage situation
- Restaurants, football stadium attacked in night of horror
- Police leave cancelled and around 1,500 soldiers mobilised
- French border controls increased, state of emergency declared
- Eight extremists killed, all attackers thought to be dead
- Manhunt under way for accomplices
- David Cameron to chair meeting of Government Cobra committee