‘Hero’ Malian who saved child to be given French citizenship
PARIS : A Malian migrant who scaled a four-storey Paris apartment bloc with his bare hands to save a child was honoured by President Emmanuel Macron on Monday and offered French citizenship.
Two days after his daring Spiderman-style rescue that was viewed millions of times online, Mamoudou Gassama was received by Macron at the presidential palace.
“You have become an example because millions of people have seen you. It is only right that the nation be grateful,” Macron told the 22-year-old, adding that his immigration status would be “put in order.”
During the meeting, Macron also proposed that Gassama, who received a medal and certificate for bravery, join the French fire service. “I was not thinking of anything. I went straight up,” the sporty youth, who wore jeans and a short-sleeved patterned shirt, explained. “Bravo,” Macron replied. The act of heroism, which was the top news item for most French websites and television channels, comes as French lawmakers debate a controversial bill that would speed up the deportation of economic migrants and failed asylum-seekers.
Gassama has been living illegally in France and working in construction after arriving in the country in September last year following a perilous journey from his homeland to Libya and Italy.
Macron, a centrist, said Gassama’s “exceptional act of heroism” warranted an “exceptional decision”.