A Coruña Honors Migrants as Heroes After Their Intervention in Homophobic Attack

Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye have been honored as "adopted sons" of A Coruña after they intervened during a homophobic attack in 2021 that led to the death of a gay man. Their courageous actions amidst public indifference have sparked discussions on morality and human rights.

 

In a heartfelt ceremony at A Coruña City Hall, two Senegalese migrants, Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye, were awarded the status of "adopted sons of the city" for their remarkable courage during a tragic incident in July 2021. The migrants were honored for their bravery in intervening during a brutal attack on Samuel Luiz, a 24-year-old gay man who was assaulted by a homophobic mob outside a nightclub. Luiz later succumbed to his injuries, an event that ignited national outrage and intense discussions on homophobia in Spain.

During the ceremony, A Coruña's mayor, Inés Rey, praised the men for their "pure heroism." Footage from that fateful night revealed them as the only individuals who chose to help Luiz, while many others merely observed the violence, some recording it on their mobile devices. Mayor Rey emphasized the significance of their actions, saying, "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."

Both Diack and N'Diaye were living without proper documentation at the time, making their decision to intervene particularly perilous, as it required them to confront not only the mob but also the risk of arrest. In the presence of city officials, family, and friends, they received plaques honoring their bravery. "We are not heroes, we did what we had to do," stated N'Diaye, while Diack reflected on the values instilled in him from a young age, saying, "I was born in a family that doesn't have much... but they gave me many things more valuable than money."

Their courageous actions during the attack also made them crucial witnesses in the subsequent trial of Luiz's assailants, where four men were convicted of murder. The court sentenced them to prison terms ranging from 10 to 24 years, with the primary perpetrator receiving the longest sentence after being heard shouting homophobic slurs during the assault.

As Spain continues to grapple with issues of race, migration, and LGBTQ+ rights, the story of Diack and N'Diaye stands as a powerful reminder of the impact that individual courage can have in the face of hate and violence. Each year, tens of thousands of migrants arrive in Spain, often from countries like Mali, Senegal, and Morocco, seeking better opportunities but facing rising xenophobia and discrimination.