Algerian Man Sets Himself Ablaze Outside Justice Ministry Over Alleged Unfair Treatment

A man attempted self-immolation on Sunday outside Algeria’s Ministry of Justice in Algiers, reportedly in protest against perceived judicial injustice, sources told AFP. A video of the incident has since circulated on social media.

Identified as Faouzi Zegout from Frenda—a town located approximately 340 kilometers (210 miles) west of the capital—he allegedly poured petrol over himself near the ministry building before setting himself on fire, according to local media reports.

Security personnel stationed at the ministry responded swiftly, managing to extinguish the flames. Zegout sustained only minor injuries and was taken to a burns treatment facility in Algiers.

“Faouzi Zegout is at the Algiers burns hospital and is in stable condition,” reported local outlet Frenda News on Facebook, though it did not cite an official source.

In a video filmed moments before the act by a companion who later fled the scene, Zegout—wearing a white shirt, black trousers, and a tie—explained his reasons. He accused a judge at the Frenda court of unfairly threatening him with a 10-year prison sentence.

He said the legal threat stemmed from his involvement in organizing a fundraiser for medical expenses without prior authorization. His court verdict was expected the same day as the incident.

Zegout stated that his desperate action aimed to draw the attention of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to what he described as an unjust legal process. Such acts of protest are rare in Algeria, in contrast to neighboring Tunisia, where self-immolation has been more frequent in political or social demonstrations.