Skip to main content

Illegal Migrant 'Spiderman' who saved child praised by France's Macron

By


POOL/AFP / Thibault Camus

A Malian migrant who scaled a Paris apartment block to save a four-year-old child was hailed Monday as an "example" by President Emmanuel Macron, who welcomed him to the presidential palace and offered him citizenship.


Two days after his daring rescue -- viewed millions of times online -- Mamoudou Gassama, nicknamed "Spiderman" by French media for his astonishing climbing ability, met Macron in the splendour of the Elysee 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".


However several aid groups accused the president of "political exploitation", "hypocrisy" and covering up a harsh policy towards migrants.



Macron, who presented him with a medal for bravery, also offered him a job with the fire service.

"I did not think twice. I went straight up," said the sporty youth, who wore jeans and a short-sleeved shirt to the encounter, explaining his climb.

AFP / Lionel BONAVENTURE



Gassama was also congratulated by Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who phoned him at the Paris embassy to congratulate him "for honouring all of Mali," the embassy said.


His act of heroism comes as lawmakers debate a controversial bill that would speed up the deportation of economic migrants and failed asylum-seekers, thousands of whom live in squalid camps in the capital.


"There's a general feeling of shameful political exploitation," said Jean-Claude Mas, secretary general of La Cimade, which defends migrants.

"It raises a lot of questions when you know what this government is doing."


"There's a bit of hypocrisy or cynicism," added Claire Rodier of GISTI which supports immigrants, noting "the contrast with the repressive policy of this government against migrants and those without documents."
POOL/AFP / Thibault Camus




Gassama has been living illegally in France and working in construction since arriving in September last year following a perilous journey from his homeland to Libya then Italy.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Curfew imposed in wana after ‘Taliban’ attack PTM,s Leaders

By
10 PTM activists, including Wazir’s cousin, injured in the attack PakistanToday : At least 10 people were injured and two suspected Taliban militants were killed in an attack on activists of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), including Ali Wazir and his cousin, in Wana, leading to curfew being imposed in the area. The injured were shifted to Agency Headquarter Hospital Wana for medical treatment where they were declared to be out of danger. According to reports, differences between the two parties developed on Saturday when pro-government militant leader Ain Ullah Wazir forcefully snatched caps from PTM activists and set them on fire. Following the incident, Ali Wazir had condemned the act and called for a sit-in protest from Monday. The militants retaliated and attacked the Mirzalam Khan Wazir Market and the nearby petrol pump, owned by Ali Wazir. However, before the attack, they went to Ali Wazir’s home, armed with guns, and asked him to leave the area of quit PTM....
Post a Comment
Read more

Russia's says Syria chemical weapons attack was free Plane

By
Monitor Desk: The U.S. has blood and urine samples from the area the U.S. has blood and urine samples from the area that have tested positive for chemical weapons, according to two American officials.at have tested positive for chemical weapons, according to two American officials. Russia said Friday it had “irrefutable” evidence that the deadly Syria chemical weapons attack that has prompted the U.S. to consider airstrikes was fabricated. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a news conference that there was a “very alarming atmosphere” over the issue and likened plans for a military response to failed action in Libya. “God forbid any other military gambles will be taken in Syria,” he said. Related Lavrov cited "irrefutable data that [this] was yet another staged event and staging was done … by the special services of one of the countries at the forefront of the anti-Russia campaign." His comments come after President Donald Trump called last Saturday’s attack...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hashim Bakht PTI nominee for Punjab CM

By
Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is likely to nominate its elected member of Punjab assembly from southern Punjab Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht — the younger brother of Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar — as Punjab chief minister, Morning Mail report. Hashim Bakht is foreign graduate and younger brother of Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, their father has also remained member National Assembly. However, PTI chairman Imran Khan will make the announcement in this regard later. The sources said that Makhdoom Hashim is a strong candidate for the post of chief minister Punjab and he has acquired the support of the majority of senior leaders in the PTI. Khsro Bakhtyar Elder Brother Of Hashim Bakht Hashim Jawan is the younger brother of Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar and he was elected from Rahim Yar Khan. Jahan has worked in the banking sector and he was vice president of the corporate sector of the City Bank. Jawan did his B.Com from McGill Universi...
1 comment
Read more