By Southampton Stand Up To Racism. Picture supplied by LNER.
Last Sunday, the far-right ‘Southampton Patriots’ once again gathered noisily outside the Highfield House Hotel, home to refugees, seemingly exploiting a tragedy that happened hundreds of miles away to stir up hate on our streets. Like the overwhelming majority of people in Southampton, we were disgusted by their actions. While most of the country expressed shock and sympathy for the victims of the Huntingdon attack, this group chose instead to target innocent people in our city.
We at Southampton Stand Up To Racism want to speak clearly about what heroism really looks like — and who deserves recognition.
That person is Samir Zitouni.
Samir is recovering in hospital after risking his life to save others during the horrific train attack. Police and eyewitnesses report that he stepped forward to protect passengers — including a young girl — from the attacker. In the words of his colleagues and the Transport Secretary, his actions were “nothing short of heroic.”
Lives were saved because Samir refused to stand by while others were in danger. His courage demonstrated the very best of humanity: calm, selfless, and brave when it mattered most.
Let’s be clear: police confirmed well before the ‘Southampton Patriots’ arrived outside the hotel on Sunday that the Huntingdon attack was carried out by a man born in the UK. It had nothing to do with asylum seekers or refugees. Yet the far right still seized on grief to stoke division.
Their target? Innocent people.
Their message? Lies.
Their aim? Hate.
The people of Southampton know better. Courage and compassion — not cruelty and scapegoating — are what make our city strong. And Samir Zitouni embodies the same bravery and humanity the far right will never understand.
We are still waiting for the ‘Southampton Patriots’ — or perhaps their so-called ‘hero’ Tommy Robinson — to praise the man who actually risked his life.
We won’t hold our breath.
If they had an ounce of guilt, they would end their weekly Friday-night gatherings outside the Highfield House Hotel and their divisive marches through Portswood. People have had it up to their necks with this thuggish behaviour. Southampton deserves better than this cycle of intimidation and hate.
We wish Samir a full and speedy recovery, and we thank him — not just for his courage on that train, but for reminding the country what true heroism and humanity look like.
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