LONDON — Mass vigils were held throughout Europe on Wednesday evening following the Charlie Hebdo terror attack that killed 12 in Paris.

Crowds gathered in squares from London to Berlin, holding signs that read "Je Suis Charlie" (I am Charlie), among other phrases of support. The cities stood in solidarity with other demonstrators in France, who assembled by the thousands across the country, holding pens in the air. They held a moment of silence, which was followed by resounding applause and shouts of "Charlie, Charlie."

Here's footage from around the rest of Europe.

London

From Mashable's UK editor Blathnaid Healy, who is in London's Trafalgar Square:

There were tears and quiet scenes as several hundred people joined the impromptu vigil after word spread about it on Twitter and Facebook shortly before the end of the work day.

Crowd at Trafalgar Square holding a vigil in solidarity with those killed today in the #ChalieHebdo attack pic.twitter.com/Eoc0XPxf3j — Blathnaid Healy (@blathnaidhealy) January 7, 2015

"It’s horrible the whole situation, it’s so unfair. It’s four cartoonists who were very loved by a lot of people in France," said a visibly upset Lydie Greco, an illustrator from Strasbourg living in London.

"Of course they were quite tongue-in-cheek and doing offensive things, but no one deserves to die for drawing.”

Image: Mashable Blathnaid Healy

People held printed or handmade signs that read "Je Suis Charlie", while others wrapped themselves in the French flag as the bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields church tolled in the background.

Some said the vigils being held across France, prompted them to take action.

“It's just some way of comfort to be here with other people,” said Parisian Arthur Laurent who has lived in London for five years.

A lot of French people here, many holding signs or pens. Mood very sombre pic.twitter.com/kir6L1EU3W — Blathnaid Healy (@blathnaidhealy) January 7, 2015

Another Parisian who has lived in London for three years said it was his first time taking a stand for anything.

“What’s happened in France today was awful and I can’t believe it’s happening,” he said. "I wasn’t a reader of Charlie Hebdo, I wasn’t even a fan. 12 people died today because they were free to speak.”

Image: Mashable Blathnaid Healy

Image: Mashable Blathnaid Healy

Image: Mashable Blathnaid Healy





Berlin

People now gathering at Pariser Platz in Berlin to show solidarity! #CharlieHebdo #JeSuisCharlie pic.twitter.com/K4WPc8iNxx — Anne Laumen (@AnneLaumen) January 7, 2015





Copenhagen





Rome

Small crowd gathers outside French Embassy in Rome in support of #ChalieHebdo - EU and French flags at half mast pic.twitter.com/LWxf0y8Vg7 — Julián Miglierini (@julianmig) January 7, 2015





Brussels

Dublin