Australian living in Paris: City will defy terror

An Australian living in Paris says the terror attacks in the city are deeply worrying but she's determined to remain as defiant as the "proud Parisians".

Significant Death Toll Feared In Paris Terror Attacks

Women hug outside Le Carillon bar, the day after a deadly attack on November 14, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

An Australian lawyer living in Paris says the deadly terror attacks in the city will not drive her home and she's determined to remain as defiant as the "proud Parisians" around her.

Kelly Saunders lives with her French partner not far from where gunmen on Friday night mowed down diners in one of her favourite restaurants.

Scores more were gunned down at a rock concert in the city's east by four militants armed with AK47s and wearing suicide vests.
In a coordinated assault, suicide attacks were also launched near the national stadium during a friendly football international between France and Germany.

Ms Saunders, from Melbourne, told AAP on Saturday that she first learned of the attacks when her partner received a text message.

"We were glued to the television but we could certainly hear all the sirens and we could hear the helicopters most of the night as well," said the 37-year-old, who works for the global transport group Keolis.

She said it was "pretty scary" when she realised a Cambodian restaurant that was targeted was just round the corner from where she lived when she first came to Paris two years ago.

Ms Saunders said Le Petit Cambodge was one of her favourite restaurants and she knew it well.

"It's a really hip young restaurant full of travellers, and also lots of young French people."

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for Friday night's massacre which is Europe's bloodiest terror attack since the Madrid train bombings in 2004.

In January this year 17 people were killed in Paris in attacks that targeted the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and a Jewish supermarket.

Ms Saunders said she sensed that this time round Parisians were a bit stronger, though still deeply worried.

"People are more resolute perhaps about what we're facing, whereas Charlie Hebdo was an absolute primary shock.

"Parisians are very, very proud people and very keen to be defiant and get on with their lives."

Ms Saunders said the attacks were "really worrying, but at the same time I'm determined to not let that make me go home.

"I'm determined, even if I'm nervous or afraid, to live the way I want to live and not be intimidated.

"If you let that happen then that's exactly what these people are wanting to achieve."


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Source: AAP


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Australian living in Paris: City will defy terror | SBS News