Official: Paris unity rally largest in French history
By LORI HINNANT and THOMAS ADAMSON, Associated Press
Jan 11, 2015 11:41 AM CST
French President Francois Hollande, center, and French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, third left, welcomes international interior ministers after a meeting on terrorism, at the Elysee Palace, Paris, Sunday Jan. 11, 2015. A rally of defiance and sorrow, protected by an unparalleled level of security,...   (Associated Press)

PARIS (AP) — The French Interior Ministry says Paris rally for unity against terrorism is the largest demonstration in France's history.

Calling the rally "unprecedented," the ministry says the demonstrators are so numerous they spread beyond the official march route, making them impossible to count.

French media estimate up to 3 million are taking part, more than the numbers who took to Paris streets when the Allies liberated the city from the Nazis in World War II.

Leaders from more than 40 nations were among those at the march Sunday, organized to show unity after three days of terrorist attacks that left 17 dead. Demonstrations were also held in cities around France and around the world.

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