€4.3m raised for attack victims

CHARLIE Hebdo has announced that the €4.3million it has received in donations since the January terror attacks will be entirely handed over to victims' groups.

The massive influx of cash, from 36,000 donors in 84 different countries, had caused tensions among the team at the satirical newspaper, with some columnists and cartoonists questioning how the money would be used.

Management have now confirmed that the sum will be deposited in a secure fund and an independent committee appointed by France's justice ministry will decide on how it should be distributed.

The paper, which was on the brink of bankruptcy before the attacks, has made €12million in newsagent sales and subscriptions since.

The paper's shareholders have pledged not to receive any dividend from this sum. Charlie Hebdo is currently 40% owned by the parents of former editor Charb, who was killed in the January 7 attack, 40% by cartoonist Riss and the remaining 20% is held by its finance director Eric Portheault.

Meanwhile, cartoonist Luz has announced he will be leaving the paper in September.