On January 6, 2025, the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo unveiled a special edition commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the devastating attack on its offices. The front page boldly presents a cartoon with the caption "Indestructible!," celebrating the paper's enduring spirit in the face of adversity.

Inside, the edition features results from a caricature contest aimed at mocking God and various religious leaders. As editorial director Riss, a survivor of the January 7, 2015 massacre, expressed, “Satire has a virtue that has enabled us to get through these tragic years: optimism.” Riss emphasized laughter and irony as vital expressions of life, stating, “Whatever happens, dramatic or happy, the desire to laugh will never cease.”

The original 2015 assault was executed by two individuals responding to Charlie Hebdo's controversial publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed. The attack not only claimed 12 lives but also marked a grim initiation into a series of violent acts by extremist groups in Europe.

Coinciding with public commemorations led by President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the new edition encourages cartoonists to delve into provocative topics, asserting, “Yes, we can laugh about God, especially if he exists.” More than 350 submissions were reviewed, and 40 were selected for publication.

The artwork includes characteristic crude humor, such as the caption, “if I sketch someone who is drawing someone who is drawing someone who is drawing Mohammed, is that ok?” This depiction illustrates layers of cartoonists engaging in representing the Prophet, fueling debates about artistic freedom and religion.

This edition reminisces about the paper’s notorious artwork, including a 2005 cover showing a Mohammed figure that reflexively censors himself, stating, "It's hard being loved by idiots." Originally penned by renowned cartoonist Cabu, who was killed during the attack, this cartoon underscores the magazine’s legacy of bold and controversial satire.

A recent survey conducted with the support of Ifop revealed significant public backing for freedom of expression in France, with 76% affirming the right to caricature and 62% defending the right to mock religious beliefs.

The Charlie Hebdo attack sparked a global movement of solidarity exemplified by the slogan "Je Suis Charlie," which illustrated widespread support for the victims. Yet, the publication continues to navigate a complex landscape of criticism, particularly from Muslim-majority countries where the magazine’s humor is often viewed as offensive.

Despite facing allegations of Islamophobia due to specific caricatures linked to terrorism, Riss maintains that the newspaper's mission is to stimulate thought and reflection. "The idea is not to publish anything, it's to publish everything that makes people doubt," he noted in a recent interview with Le Monde.

As Charlie Hebdo continues to challenge societal norms through biting satire, its journey stands as a testament to the complexities surrounding freedom of expression in contemporary society.