A CROWD of people of all ages and faiths gathered in Newport tonight for a peace vigil for the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks.
Secretary of the Islamic Society for Wales Mubarak Ali led the vigil which attracted people from across Gwent.
He welcomed more than 70 people to the vigil in Westgate Square, Newport, saying: “We join to remember the innocent lives lost around the world to barbaric acts of terrorism".
He said: “Whether these acts are committed in our neighbouring cities or right on our doorstep, I’m sure you can all agree together as humanity we mourn.
"Together we remember and send our thoughts and prayers around the world.
“We stand here united in such terrible times. We must remain united. Terrorism has no religion in any day and age.
"We must continue to condemn the acts of ISIS, show them that we are one and they cannot and will not ever win.”
The gathered mourners stood in silence, some holding candles and others red or yellow roses as a host of speakers from churches and other groups took turns to speak.
Afterwards everyone joined together in prayer and sang Amazing Grace.
Speaking after the hour-long vigil Mr Ali said it was an “amazing” turnout adding that it “showed that we are all united”.
Newport mother, Roxanne Tutton, attended with her three year old daughter.
She said: “I think it is important to bring children to such events so that they grow up knowing that we are all equal and we live in a multicultural society.”
A family from Cwmcarn travelled to the vigil. Margaret Dennehy said that this is the first vigil she had attended but after the events of last Friday she felt it was “important to show solidarity”.
The attacks on Friday in Paris by suspected Islamic State extremists killed 129 people and wounded 350 others.
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