Physical Address
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The state of health of Algerian citizen Samir Zitouni, victim of a stabbing attack, when he intervened to defend passengers on board a train on Saturday November 1 “is the subject of constant observation” at Huntingdon hospital due to the seriousness of the injuries, we learned this Sunday from these relatives.
According to his relatives, the patient’s father, Mr. Antar Zitouni, will travel from France during the next week in order to personally follow the evolution of his son’s situation. The Consulate General, in close coordination with the Algerian authorities, has contacted the British hospital services and the patient’s wife, Mrs. Eleni Sakkouli, in order to ensure permanent and detailed monitoring of his situation. Daily contacts are maintained with Ms. Sakkouli to inquire about any developments relating to Mr. Zitouni’s state of health, the same sources said. “Samir’s state of health remains critical,” said one of his relatives, who specified that he “is currently being cared for by a specialized medical team who are carrying out constant monitoring and implementing all necessary means to stabilize his condition.”
Due to the severity of his injuries, the medical team does not authorize any visits to the patient who is still in the intensive care unit. Samir Zitouni, described as a hero by the British press, underwent several long and complex surgeries on his hand, abdomen and back, due to the severity of the wounds inflicted with a knife during the attack. He remains in a delicate condition, currently unable to speak or communicate, and suffers from intense pain following the operations performed.
Aged 32, the attacker, Anthony Williams, was arrested by the police and taken into custody for intentional homicide. Ms. Sakkouli indicated that she is the only person legally authorized to interact with the hospital administration, in accordance with British regulations, and that she will inform the Consulate General as soon as her husband’s health improves and allows visits.
For its part, the Consulate General of Algeria in London works to ensure constant monitoring and close coordination with the British local authorities, while maintaining a permanent link with the family of the victim, employed in the LNER railway company (London North Eastern Railway) for more than twenty years.
Furthermore, the Algerian authorities expressed their full solidarity and moral support to Mr. Zitouni and his family, reaffirming that the protection and assistance of Algerian nationals abroad remains a constant priority of the Algerian State.
Following the incident, David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said that “Samir did not hesitate in a moment of danger to intervene to protect those around him”, stressing that he showed incredible courage. “We are very proud of him, as well as all our colleagues who showed such courage that evening. We will continue to support him and we wish a speedy recovery,” Mr Horne added.
Samir’s gesture sparked a wave of support in Britain punctuated by messages of gratitude and recognition to a citizen of foreign origin who did not hesitate to brave danger to save passengers from certain death. Opposition MP Richard Holden officially petitioned the chamber of parliament to award the medal of bravery to Samir Zitouni.
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