French President Francois Hollande says what he calls a "terrorist threat" will continue to weigh on the country, which was struck a year ago by extremists, AP reported.

In a speech to police forces charged with protecting the country against new attacks, Hollande said the government was passing new laws and ramping up security, but the threat remained high.

On Jan. 7, 2015, a pair of extremist gunmen stormed the offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, killing 11 people inside and a policeman outside.

Three police officers were among the 17 dead in the attacks last January.

Hollande said officers die in the line of duty "so that we can live free."

Source: SPA