Official: Paris unity rally largest in French history
By LORI HINNANT and THOMAS ADAMSON, Associated Press
Jan 11, 2015 11:41 AM CST
People watch from their roof-top apartment as some thousands of people gather at Republique square in Paris, France, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015. Thousands of people began filling France’s iconic Republique plaza, and world leaders converged on Paris in a rally of defiance and sorrow on Sunday to honor the...   (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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