Debate rages over how free speech is in France

PARIS -- The Paris prosecutor's office says 54 people have been detained for defending or glorifying terrorism since Islamic radicals began a rampage a week ago that left 17 people dead.

The arrests are part of a broader French crackdown that includes a government push for tougher anti-terrorism measures after the attacks, the worst in France in decades.

A national debate has erupted in French media over the extent to which France's freedom of expression laws allow for the glorification of terrorism.

Many wonder why Charlie Hebdo has the right to continue publishing "defaming" images of the Prophet Muhammad, while others are detained and prosecuted for speaking their mind.

Dieudonne, a controversial comic with a large following in France, was among those detained. He was charged with inciting hatred for a comment he posted on Facebook in which he said; "I feel like Charlie Coulibaly."

It was a reference seemingly mocking the "I am Charlie" slogan which emerged in support of the newspaper after the attacks, but combining it with the surname of the man who killed a police officer and four hostages at a Jewish grocery store during the three days of bloodshed, Amedy Coulibaly.

Government spokesman Stephane Le Foll said Wednesday some of those detained have already been convicted.