On July 2021, A Coruña witnessed a tragic event that ignited national outrage, but it also highlighted an extraordinary act of courage by two undocumented Senegalese migrants. Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye have been honored as "adopted sons" of the city in recognition of their bravery when they attempted to save Samuel Luiz, a gay man who was fatally attacked by a homophobic mob outside a local nightclub.
A Coruña Awards Heroic Migrants for Bravery in Homophobic Attack
A Coruña Awards Heroic Migrants for Bravery in Homophobic Attack
Through the lens of bravery, Spanish city acknowledges the selfless actions of two Senegalese migrants who intervened in a brutal hate crime.
At a formal ceremony held on Monday, the mayor of A Coruña, Inés Rey, praised their actions as nothing short of "pure heroism." Luis, just 24 years old, died from the injuries inflicted by a group of men during the horrific assault, an incident that shocked the nation and sparked outcry against homophobic violence in Spain.
Mayor Rey's remarks pointed out the stark contrast between the two courageous migrants, who risked their safety to intervene in the attack, and the bystanders who chose to remain passive, many filming the assault instead of taking action. "That two undocumented migrants were the only ones who physically risked themselves to help the victim of a pack thirsting for horror leaves much food for thought," Rey stated.
During the ceremony, plaques were presented to Diack and N'Diaye, who both emphasized that they were merely doing what they believed was right in that moment. "We are not heroes, we did what we had to do," N'Diaye noted, reflecting the humility that characterized their actions on that fateful night.
Both men had been living in A Coruña without documentation and were involved in irregular employment, rendering them vulnerable to arrest and deportation. Nonetheless, they stood witness during the trial of their attackers when four men were convicted of murder, leading to sentences ranging from 10 to 24 years. The main perpetrator was noted to have shouted homophobic slurs during the attack, underlining the hate-driven motives behind the crime.
As Spain continues to grapple with the complexities of immigration and the rising tide of homophobia, the heroic actions of Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye serve as a poignant reminder of humanity's capacity for courage and compassion in the face of adversity.
Mayor Rey's remarks pointed out the stark contrast between the two courageous migrants, who risked their safety to intervene in the attack, and the bystanders who chose to remain passive, many filming the assault instead of taking action. "That two undocumented migrants were the only ones who physically risked themselves to help the victim of a pack thirsting for horror leaves much food for thought," Rey stated.
During the ceremony, plaques were presented to Diack and N'Diaye, who both emphasized that they were merely doing what they believed was right in that moment. "We are not heroes, we did what we had to do," N'Diaye noted, reflecting the humility that characterized their actions on that fateful night.
Both men had been living in A Coruña without documentation and were involved in irregular employment, rendering them vulnerable to arrest and deportation. Nonetheless, they stood witness during the trial of their attackers when four men were convicted of murder, leading to sentences ranging from 10 to 24 years. The main perpetrator was noted to have shouted homophobic slurs during the attack, underlining the hate-driven motives behind the crime.
As Spain continues to grapple with the complexities of immigration and the rising tide of homophobia, the heroic actions of Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye serve as a poignant reminder of humanity's capacity for courage and compassion in the face of adversity.
