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29 March 2024

Saudi man dies after setting himself on fire

Picture only for illustrative purpose. The suicide is Saudi Arabia's first such incident (AFP)

Published
By Staff

A Saudi man died after setting himself ablaze in the southwestern town of Samta on Friday.

This is Saudi Arabia's first such incident, according to a report in 'Gulf News'. Last month an unemployed man set himself on fire in Tunisia protesting the state of the economy and sparking riots which brought down the government.

Since that time there has been a wave of copycat immolations across the region, though with few fatalities.

Civil defence spokesman Captain Yahia Al Qah'tani said in a statement that the man, in his 60s, set himself on fire on Friday and died in the hospital.

Saudi Grand Mufti Shaikh Abdul Aziz Al Shaikh on Thursday condemned suicide even in response to harsh living conditions. The motive behind the suicide is not known yet.