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

AFP|28May 2018

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.