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Emmanuel Macron in front of Samuel Paty's coffin: "We'll continue, teacher!"
Photo: Francois Mori / AP
French President Emmanuel Macron called for the defense of freedom at an emotional memorial service for the brutally murdered teacher Samuel Paty.
"We will not do without caricatures and drawings," said Macron on Wednesday evening in the courtyard of the Sorbonne University in Paris with a view of the Mohammed caricatures, which had sparked controversy around the world.
The 47-year-old Paty was the victim of a deadly conspiracy, stupidity, lies and hatred of others, said Macron.
"We carry on, teacher!"
Macron condemned the "cowards" who "committed and made this attack possible".
In his 15-minute speech, Macron did not want to talk too much about the alleged perpetrator and his supporters.
"You don't deserve it," Macron continued.
"Tonight I want to speak to Samuel Paty."
Paty's coffin was carried to the song "One" by U2 in the inner courtyard of the Sorbonne.
Macron posthumously awarded Paty the Legion of Honor.
Numerous members of the government were present, including former President François Hollande.
A friend of Paty's also had a say, saying: "Goodbye Samuel."
President with tears in his eyes
"Samuel Paty became the face of the republic on Friday," said Macron with tears in his eyes.
Paty was passionate about teaching.
He loved books and was a teacher who would not be forgotten.
"We will continue this struggle for freedom for the same reason that you are now the face of freedom," said Macron.
According to investigators, 47-year-old Paty was attacked and killed by an 18-year-old on Friday.
The teacher's body was found beheaded.
The attacker with Chechen roots was shot dead by police.
The crime in a Paris suburb caused horror across the country.
At the weekend tens of thousands took to the streets to show their solidarity.
Investigators believe that Paty was murdered for showing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in class.
Macron had spoken of an Islamist terrorist act immediately after the crime.
Macron wants to defend freedom
At the memorial ceremony, Macron said France would not do without "caricatures, drawings".
Addressing the dead teacher Paty, Macron said, "We will defend the freedom that you have taught so well."
Paty had become a victim of hatred.
Counterterrorism prosecutor Jean-François Ricard announced before the ceremony that 16 people had been taken into police custody after the crime.
Nine of them were released.
There are serious allegations against the remaining seven, including aiding and abetting a murder with a terrorist background.
Now investigating judges have to decide how to proceed.
So far, no formal investigations have been opened against the suspects.
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ptz / dpa