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Paris siege hero gets citizenship
(February 20, 2015)The supermarket worker who hid terrified shoppers away during the siege in Paris has been recognised for his bravery and awarded citizenship by the French government.
Mali-born Lassana Bathily was praised for his "courage and heroism" by Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve during a ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Manuel Valls.
The 24-year-old was in the store's underground stockroom when gunmen burst in, in Porte de Vincennes, Paris. He quickly guided terrified customers to safety in a supermarket chiller.
Using a goods lift he escaped and was able to give the police valuable information about what was happening inside and where the hostages were hiding.
Bathily, a Muslim, gained word wide praise for his bravery, by Cazeneuve, who said: “Act of humanity has become a symbol of an Islam of peace and tolerance.”
Mr Bathily, who has lived in France since 2006, said: “When I turned off the cold, I put them [hostages] in, I closed the door, I told them to stay calm. I turned off the light and turned off the freezer as we heard the gunfire.”
Of his recognition, he said: “I’m very proud and deeply touched. People are all equal to me and skin color isn't a matter. France is the country of human rights.”