Photo gallery: Global ‘I Am Charlie’ rallies show support for free speech

Islamic Extremism

AUSTRALIA-FRANCE-ATTACKS-MEDIAMembers of Sydney’s French community gather in the heart of the city to hold aloft banners reading “Je Suis Charlie” (I am Charlie) on January 8, 2015. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS

Viewing the Paris killings as a cold-blooded assault on democracy, people from all walks of life — journalists and police officers, politicians and students — turned out in cities around the world Thursday, holding up pens and joining hands in an outpouring of silent solidarity.