At a time when LGBTQ+ people face increasing violence, a rare moment of hope comes from La Coruña, Spain. The city has granted honorary citizenship naar Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N’Diaye, two Senegalese migrants who risked their lives trying to save Samuel Luiz, a young gay man brutally beaten to death in 2021.
On July 3, 2021, Samuel Luiz, 24, was viciously attacked outside a nightclub. While many stood by, Ibrahima and Magatte stepped in to help—despite being undocumented at the time. Tragically, they couldn’t save him, but their courage made a lasting impact.
This week, La Coruña’s mayor, Inés Rey, honored them in a moving ceremony, saying:
"That two undocumented migrants were the only ones to risk their safety to help a victim of a hate-fueled mob is something to reflect on.”
Their bravery and solidarity stand in stark contrast to the bystanders who remained passive. The city’s recognition is not just symbolic—it’s a message against indifference.
Despite their recognition, Ibrahima and Magatte remain humble.
“We are not heroes,” Magatte said. “We just did what was right.” Their story is a powerful reminder that, in a world of hate, bravery and solidarity still exist
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