In a heartfelt ceremony, A Coruña has recognized Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye as "adopted sons" for their brave attempt to save a gay man from a fatal homophobic attack in 2021. This recognition has ignited reflections on heroism, the plight of undocumented migrants, and the broader issues of homophobia in society.
A Coruña Honors Migrants for Heroic Intervention in Homophobic Attack
A Coruña Honors Migrants for Heroic Intervention in Homophobic Attack
The Spanish city of A Coruña bestows "adopted son" honors on two Senegalese migrants who intervened during a violent homophobic attack, sparking discussions on courage and societal values.
A Spanish city has shown public appreciation for two Senegalese migrants, recognizing their courage during a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a gay man. Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N'Diaye were honored with the title of "adopted sons of the city" in A Coruña, marking their courageous intervention against a homophobic assault.
The event, held on Monday, commemorates the duo's bravery. They were the sole individuals who attempted to protect Samuel Luiz, who was attacked by a group of men outside a nightclub in July 2021. Luiz, 24, succumbed to his injuries, leading to widespread public outrage and demands for justice.
At the ceremony, Mayor Inés Rey praised the men's actions as "pure heroism," contrasting their selfless response with that of bystanders who recorded the violence but did not intervene. “That two undocumented migrants were the only ones who physically risked themselves to help the victim leaves much food for thought,” she remarked.
Both men had been living in A Coruña without legal status at the time of the incident, putting them in jeopardy should they interact with law enforcement. However, they emphasized their commitment to doing the right thing despite personal risks. “We are not heroes; we did what we had to do,” N'Diaye stated during the ceremony.
Diack expressed gratitude for his upbringing, which instilled values of respect and education despite a lack of material wealth. The two men also played significant roles as witnesses in the subsequent trial of Luiz's assailants, who faced sentences ranging from 10 to 24 years for their crimes, deemed to have been motivated by homophobia.
This incident underscores larger societal issues, including the challenges faced by migrants in Spain, many of whom arrive through perilous journeys across the Mediterranean or the Atlantic, and the ongoing struggle against homophobic violence. Their recognition serves not only as a tribute to individual courage but also as a call to reflect on societal values and responses to violence and discrimination.
