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A Tunisian footballer, Nizar Issaoui, has died after setting himself ablaze in what he described as protest against the ‘police state’ ruling the country.
The 35-year-old footballer, who sets himself ablaze in Haffouz, a village in the central region of Kairouan, suffered third-degree burns from his action.
He was reportedly taken from hospital in Kairouan to the specialist burns hospital in Tunis, the country’s capital, but doctors were unable to save his life.
“He died on Thursday, April 13 and will be buried on Friday April 14,” his brother said.
News of Issaoui’s death sparked protests on the streets of Haffouz on Thursday evening, with young demonstrators hurling stones at police, who responded with tear gas.
There was no immediate comment from the authorities.
Issaoui was a free agent at the time of his death after a career that saw him play for a range of clubs in the lower division and top flight.
In a Facebook post, shortly before setting himself on fire, Issaoui said he had sentenced himself to “death by fire.”
“I have no more energy. Let the police state know that the sentence will be executed today,” he wrote.
Issaoui said the police had unfairly accused him of terrorism after he complained about a banana vendor selling the fruit at a price higher than the government rate.