An Algerian man, Faouzi Zegout, set himself on fire outside the Ministry of Justice in Algiers on Sunday, after allegedly being threatened with a 10-year prison sentence by a judge.
Zegout, who hails from Frenda, a town approximately 340 kilometres west of the capital, reportedly poured petrol on himself near the ministry building before igniting the flames. According to AFP, security guards acted swiftly, managing to extinguish the fire, leaving him with only minor injuries.
Local news platform Frenda News reported via Facebook that Zegout is currently being treated at the Algiers burns hospital and is in stable condition.
Motive Caught on Video
In a video filmed by a friend moments before the incident, Zegout, dressed in formal wear — white shirt, black trousers, and a tie — explained his reasons for the drastic act.
“It’s because of a judge at the Frenda court who arbitrarily threatened me with a 10-year prison sentence,” he said.
He added that his aim was to draw President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s attention to what he described as injustice.
Zegout stated that he was facing charges for organizing an unauthorized fundraiser to help pay for the medical treatment of sick individuals. His court judgment was expected on the same day he attempted self-immolation.
Rare but Shocking Incident
Self-immolation is extremely rare in Algeria, in contrast to neighbouring Tunisia, where such acts have historically sparked national movements.
Zegout’s desperate protest has sparked conversations around judicial transparency and citizen activism, as well as the harsh consequences faced by individuals trying to engage in charitable acts without state approval.
