Help keep Salon independent

Moroccan Retiree Dies After Setting Self On Fire

Published

Salon Default

RABAT, Morococo (AP) — A retired Moroccan who set himself on fire in a courthouse has died from his burns.

The state news agency reported that the man died early Friday in a Marrakech hospital after pouring gasoline on himself and lighting himself on fire in a nearby town’s courthouse the day before.

On Tuesday, an unemployed Moroccan also died from his burns after he set himself on fire in a protest over the lack of jobs.

Once rare, self-immolation has become a protest of last resort since the suicide of a vegetable seller in December 2010 sparked the Tunisian uprising.

The man who died Friday lived alone and had serious social and personal problems, according to the state news agency.

An investigation has been opened into the incident, which caused a panic in the courthouse.

By Salon Staff

MORE FROM Salon Staff

Related Articles