Charlie Hebdo Attack: Pen Becomes Defiant Symbol of Freedom

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Pens and pencils are being wielded at memorials to the victims of the Paris attack as defiant symbols of freedom of expression.

Image: TOPSHOTS-FRANCE-ATTACKS-MEDIA-DEMO

A woman cries as she holds up a pen during a vigil in Lyon on Jan. 7, 2015, following an attack by unknown gunmen on the offices of the satirical weekly, Charlie Hebdo in the capital. JEFF PACHOUD / AFP - Getty Images

Jan. 8, 2015, 5:34 AM EST / Updated Jan. 8, 2015, 5:46 AM EST

Pens and pencils expressed defiant support for freedom of speech around the world in the wake of Wednesday's attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Cartoonists’ tools of the trade were waved in the air and made into impromptu altars as outrage over the massacre at the left-wing magazine that published controversial Muhammad cartoons reverberated around the world.

Image: BESTPIX Tribute To Victims Killed During Attack At Satirical Magazine Charlie Hebdo At Place De LA Republique In Paris — Pens are piled up as people hold a vigil at the Place de la Republique (Republic Square) for victims of the terrorist attack on January 7, 2015 in Paris.Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

Image: — A woman holding a pen shows her arm covered with the words in French "I am Charlie" at a Rio de Janeiro gathering held in solidarity with those killed in an attack satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.Leo Correa / AP

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