In recent news that is taking the world by shock, French farmer Cedric Herrou, challenged his country's immigration laws in one bold step.
Turns out living on the border gives you an added set of perks. The Roya Valley resident and farmer aided illegal immigrants from Italy to move and settle in France. The move, which according to the farmer was "humanitarian", has resulted in consequences from the state.
Cedric took to addressing the press to justify his motives and reasons behind his actions. According to New York Times, Cedric said that "the law is against actions to help people in need, so we have to change the laws".
Dozens of people have benefitted from Mr. Herrou's aid and managed to find safety in the French Alps. Coming from countries such as Sudan and Eritrea, these individuals sought sanctuary in France from their war-torn countries.
Italy is known to be a rebel against the French immigration laws and in 2015 the Italian PM lashed out stating that he "could hurt Europe" if the country wasn't given a hand with its migrants. France retaliated and said that Italy must not transgress from the EU immigration laws and to abide by them.
Although Mr. Herrou has plenty of well-wishers who are protesting against throwing him in prison, the court will have to decide on the final verdict. Protestors holding signs quoting "Helping someone is not offence" and "Je suis Cedric" ("I am Cedric") can be seen standing outside the court where the trial is supposed to take place.
The incident has also stirred debate regarding France's laws and whether they collide with basic humanitarian values. Cedric is quoted to have said that "the frontier puts people in danger" claiming that the lives of four youngsters were taken on the highway.
Seeing how protests have become a thing of the past now, Cedric showed the world that actions indeed speak louder than words.
