Xavier Jugelé
Added 2017-04-26 19:24:59 +0000 UTCXavier Jugele, 37, was shot dead by a jihadist on Thursday while on duty on the famous Champs Elysees avenue, three days before the first round of France’s presidential election.
And yesterday, his long time boyfriend Etienne Cardiles appeared on national television and gave a moving speech about his lost love. He said he felt “no hatred”, at a remembrance ceremony led by President Francois Hollande.
Echoing the words of the husband of one of the victims of the November 2015 Paris attacks, Cardiles said the killer would “not have my hatred”.
“I have no hatred, Xavier, because it is not like you and does not fit with what made your heart beat nor what made you a guardian of the peace,” he said.
Jugele was the fifth policeman slain by jihadists in attacks that have claimed more than 230 lives across France since January 2015. Hollande posthumously made him a knight of the Legion d’Honneur, one of France’s highest honours.
This is such a beautiful moment that makes me feel lucky to be able to live a peaceful life with my man. And I wish all of you would take a moment to appreciate what you have, the peace around you and the ones who love you. May him rest in peace.
Comments
Beautiful and uplifting.
Rian
2017-04-27 21:38:19 +0000 UTCI've always wondered what you look like in person?
Greg Mayfield
2017-04-27 10:55:09 +0000 UTCI've known this terrorist attack in Paris but didn't know one of victims was a gay. It haven't been reported in Japan as far as I've known. Thanks for telling me that fact. This comic is quiet but emotional. And I hope everyone can have be proud of themselves regardless sexuarity.
2017-04-27 05:39:09 +0000 UTCCrying tears of sadness for the loss and gratitude for the beautiful eulogy and soul of Etiene.
Tim Clements-Levin
2017-04-27 03:13:18 +0000 UTCIt was such a beautiful and well written eulogy.
2017-04-27 02:48:01 +0000 UTCIt was a beautiful speech and I feel sad that he lost his partner due to this horrific act. However, I found the usage term of jihadist is also problematic if you would like to link to terrorism. The concept of Jihad oftenly stereotype with the negative act of killing people wherelse in reality it is the opposite and more than that. People always have the misconception of Jihad.
2017-04-26 22:51:33 +0000 UTCDeep condolences to him and his partner. And lucky to both of you. Living in the country where love wins
MarkU2
2017-04-26 21:49:07 +0000 UTCSad
Wesley Zhou
2017-04-26 21:20:33 +0000 UTCI watched it this morning, it was a beautiful and heartbreaking speech that brought me tears. You captured it perfectly here.
2017-04-26 20:20:48 +0000 UTCThis is really an historic moment, not just for France, but for the LGBTQ+ community. I can't speak French to save my life, but the eulogy to his late boyfriend was very precious. I agree with GL that were so fortunate enough to live in countries where we can be free and express ourselves without judgement (most of the time). Living in Seattle for me has been rewarding because I'm able to be a young college educated pansexual black man and in a loving relationship with my man. This is great progress and I'm very happy for this day. Much love Song and Joe❤❤
David Proby
2017-04-26 20:17:04 +0000 UTCBeautiful
Frank
2017-04-26 20:12:07 +0000 UTCIt's very true, we often take for granted how lucky we are to live in countries where people are free to be whoever they want to be. Thanks to brave people like Xavier, who are ready to risk their lives every day, these precious freedoms and values that we have are protected against the attacks of those who hate us precisely because of this: because we are free. I find the eulogy of Etienne very beautiful and very painful at the same time. Painful because he lost the love of his life and beautiful because he nevertheless took the opportunity to give us a great example. Let's not spread hate!
GL
2017-04-26 19:37:58 +0000 UTC
