Nationwide rallies held in France to pay tribute to beheaded teacher

Tens of thousands of people rallied in Paris and cities across France on Sunday (Oct.18) in solidarity with a history teacher beheaded by a suspected Islamist on Friday.

Demonstrators carried signs such as "Teaching yes, bleeding no", "I am a teacher" or "I am Samuel". Prime Minister Jean Castex attended the gathering on Place de La Republique in Paris along with Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer and politicians from across the spectrum, showing solidarity after a killing that has shocked the whole country.

Samuel Paty, 47, was killed outside his school in a Paris suburb by an 18-year-old attacker. Earlier this month, the teacher had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression, angering a number of Muslim parents. Muslims believe that any depiction of the Prophet is blasphemous.

The assailant, Abdullakh Anzorov, who was born in Russia of Chechen origin, was shot dead by police soon after the attack. Witnesses said the suspect was spotted at the school on Friday asking pupils where he could find Paty. Police have detained 11 people in connection with the killing.

A national tribute will be held for Paty on Wednesday.