Algerian man sets himself on fire outside justice ministry

A man set himself on fire outside Algeria’s justice ministry in Algiers on Sunday, June 1, in a dramatic act of protest that drew swift response from security personnel and has since sparked discussions across the country.

The individual, identified by local media as Faouzi Zegout from the town of Frenda, approximately 340 kilometres west of the capital, reportedly doused himself in petrol and set himself alight near the government building. Eyewitnesses and sources told AFP that guards from the justice ministry quickly intervened, extinguishing the flames and preventing serious injury.

According to reports from Frenda News, Zegout was transported to the Algiers burns hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment and is in stable condition.

A video circulating online, filmed by a companion moments before the act, shows Zegout wearing formal attire, a white shirt, black trousers, and a tie; and addressing the camera to explain his motives. In the footage, he claims his protest was aimed at highlighting what he described as judicial injustice, stating he was threatened with a ten-year prison sentence by a judge at the Frenda court.

Zegout said he had faced legal proceedings for organizing a fundraising campaign without government approval, intended to assist people in need of medical treatment. His court verdict was reportedly scheduled for the same day as the incident.

In his recorded statement, Zegout appealed directly to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, urging him to take notice of what he termed an abuse of power.

Acts of self-immolation are uncommon in Algeria, in contrast to neighbouring Tunisia, where such actions have historically served as potent symbols of protest, most notably during the onset of the Arab Spring. The incident has prompted discussions around judicial transparency and citizen grievances in Algeria.