Tunisia: Protests as Journo Dies after Setting Himself on Fire

Local Editor

The death of a Tunisian journalist who set himself on fire to protest economic problems in the country prompted clashes with police and nationwide concern.

Journalist Abderrak Zorgui posted a video online before his self-immolation in the struggling provincial city of Kasserine describing his desperation and calling for revolt.

Zorgui expressed frustration at unemployment and the unfulfilled promises of Tunisia’s 2011 Arab Spring revolution.

Authorities said the man died of his injuries Monday soon after being taken to the hospital.

His actions prompted a protest Monday night in Kasserine that degenerated into violence, with police firing tear gas to disperse protesters who blocked roads and threw stones at police.

Commenting on the incident, Interior Ministry spokesman Sofiane Zaag said Tuesday that six police officers were injured and several people arrested in the protest.

A similar self-immolation — by a street vendor lamenting unemployment, corruption and repression — led to nationwide protests fueled by social media that brought down Tunisia’s long-time authoritarian president in 2011.

That ushered in democracy for Tunisia and unleashed similar movements around the Arab world.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team