France is solemnly observing the one-year anniversary this week of the Islamic extremist attacks on Charlie Hebdo and a grocery market that took 17 lives in Paris.

Charlie is the weekly satirical newspaper known for its irreverent, often vulgar and humorous cartoons and commentary. The slaying of journalists, office workers, shoppers and a police officer shocked the country and much of the world. The attacks were soon dubbed "France's 9/11," but the events were far surpassed in their gravity by an attack by extremists on Nov. 13 that left 130 dead in Paris.

The Associated Press, the New York Times and countless other news outlets reported on this week's observations, including President Francois Hollande's unveiling of plaques around Paris marking violence that ushered in a tumultuous year.

 Charlie published one million copies of his latest edition this week, but initial reports indicate sales have been far less than expected. Agence France-Press observed, "True to form, the cover is unabashedly provocative, featuring a Kalashnikov-toting God figure wearing a blood-stained white robe, under the headline: 'One year on: The killer is still at large.'"

 AFP reported commemorations will culminate in a public event Sunday in the Place de la Republique, the vast square that has become the rallying point for "Je Suis Charlie" solidarity and for the mourning after the November 13 carnage. An oak "remembrance tree" standing some 10 metres (35 feet) tall will be planted in the square.

 AP reports France remains under a state of emergency after the Nov. 13 attacks.

 

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