A Coruña Honors Migrants for Bravery in Homophobic Attack

The Spanish city of A Coruña has honored Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye with "adopted son" status following their courageous actions during a fatal homophobic attack in July 2021. The pair, who intervened to save a gay man, were acknowledged for their heroism despite their undocumented status, reflecting societal issues surrounding migration and violence.

In a heartfelt ceremony held on Monday, the city of A Coruña, Spain, bestowed the title of "adopted sons" upon Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye, two Senegalese migrants who demonstrated remarkable bravery in the face of aggression. Their actions came to light during the tragic incident in July 2021 when they attempted to save Samuel Luiz, a 24-year-old gay man who was violently attacked by a mob outside a nightclub in the city.

As Luiz succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, the attack ignited widespread condemnation and outrage across Spain, prompting conversations about homophobia and violence. Diack and N'Diaye were among the only individuals who stood up to intervene that night, sparking a dialogue on societal responsibilities amid perilous situations.

During the ceremony, A Coruña's mayor, Inés Rey, hailed the migrants' actions as "pure heroism," drawing attention to the fact that the only individuals courageous enough to intervene were those without legal documentation. She remarked, "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."

N'Diaye and Diack, who were at risk of deportation due to their undocumented status, felt that their intervention was necessary, stating they acted according to their values. "We are not heroes, we did what we had to do," N'Diaye expressed during the event, while Diack emphasized the importance of respect and education instilled in him despite his challenging upbringing.

Their bravery did not go unrecognized; they served as crucial witnesses in the trial of Luiz's assailants. In November, a jury convicted four men for their involvement in the murder, with sentences ranging from 10 to 24 years based largely on the main perpetrator's homophobic outbursts during the violent episode.

With tens of thousands of migrants making perilous journeys to Spain annually, often from countries like Mali, Senegal, and Morocco, the cities are increasingly confronted with questions about integration and acceptance, particularly in light of the challenges many face and the heroism exhibited by individuals like Diack and N'Diaye.