Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye's courageous act saves a life and sparks a national conversation on heroism and migration.
Spanish City Honors Migrants for Bravery in Stopping Homophobic Attack
Spanish City Honors Migrants for Bravery in Stopping Homophobic Attack
A Coruña awards "adopted son" status to two Senegalese men who intervened in a fatal incident.
A Coruña, Spain has officially recognized the bravery of two Senegalese migrants, Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye, who intervened in a homophobic attack that led to the tragic death of a gay man. The formal ceremony took place on Monday, with the mayor, Inés Rey, granting them the title of "adopted sons" of the city amidst a gathering of local citizens.
The incident occurred in July 2021 when Samuel Luiz was brutally assaulted by a gang outside a nightclub. Despite the chaotic scene, with many bystanders filming rather than helping, Diack and N'Diaye chose to intervene, risking their own safety in a critical moment that ultimately saved Luiz's life. Unfortunately, he later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, igniting widespread outrage and protests across Spain against the brutal act of homophobia.
Mayor Rey praised the men for their selflessness, stating, "That two undocumented migrants were the only ones who physically risked themselves...leaves much food for thought.” During the heartfelt ceremony, they received commemorative plaques honoring their courageous actions. In response, N'Diaye downplayed their heroism, claiming, "We are not heroes, we did what we had to do." Diack echoed this sentiment, attributing his actions to the valuable lessons of respect and values instilled in him by his family.
Both men later served as key witnesses in the trial against Luiz's attackers. In November, a jury convicted four individuals of murder, sentencing them to prison terms ranging from 10 to 24 years. The principal accused, who received the harshest sentence, was reportedly heard shouting homophobic slurs during the assault.
The tragic incident has shone a light on the ongoing struggles faced by migrants in Spain. Each year, tens of thousands risk their lives crossing the Atlantic to reach European shores, often coming from countries like Mali, Senegal, and Morocco. The honor bestowed upon Diack and N'Diaye raises questions about the narratives surrounding migrants and their contributions to society, highlighting that heroism often comes from unexpected places.
The incident occurred in July 2021 when Samuel Luiz was brutally assaulted by a gang outside a nightclub. Despite the chaotic scene, with many bystanders filming rather than helping, Diack and N'Diaye chose to intervene, risking their own safety in a critical moment that ultimately saved Luiz's life. Unfortunately, he later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, igniting widespread outrage and protests across Spain against the brutal act of homophobia.
Mayor Rey praised the men for their selflessness, stating, "That two undocumented migrants were the only ones who physically risked themselves...leaves much food for thought.” During the heartfelt ceremony, they received commemorative plaques honoring their courageous actions. In response, N'Diaye downplayed their heroism, claiming, "We are not heroes, we did what we had to do." Diack echoed this sentiment, attributing his actions to the valuable lessons of respect and values instilled in him by his family.
Both men later served as key witnesses in the trial against Luiz's attackers. In November, a jury convicted four individuals of murder, sentencing them to prison terms ranging from 10 to 24 years. The principal accused, who received the harshest sentence, was reportedly heard shouting homophobic slurs during the assault.
The tragic incident has shone a light on the ongoing struggles faced by migrants in Spain. Each year, tens of thousands risk their lives crossing the Atlantic to reach European shores, often coming from countries like Mali, Senegal, and Morocco. The honor bestowed upon Diack and N'Diaye raises questions about the narratives surrounding migrants and their contributions to society, highlighting that heroism often comes from unexpected places.
