The footballer, 35, dies after setting himself on fire to protest “police injustice” after being accused of terrorism
A FOOTBALLER has died after setting himself on fire to protest ‘police injustice’.
Tunisian striker Nizar Issaoui, 35, claimed police officers accused him of “terrorism” when he complained about the price of bananas.
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The father of four had posted a video on Facebook saying he was protesting against police over being falsely accused of terrorism in Haffouz, Kairouan, central Tunisia.
Issaoui, a former US Monastir player, set himself on fire outside a police station on Thursday.
He was hospitalized with third-degree burns but could not be saved.
A video selfie circulating on social media shows Issaoui screaming: “For an argument with someone who sells bananas for 10 dinars (£2.65) I am accused of terrorism at the police station.
“Terrorism for a Banana Complaint.”
Issaoui was a free agent and played in the amateur leagues before his death.
His brother Ryad said: “He died yesterday [Thursday] and will be buried today.”
Police then clashed with angry protesters in Haffouz, Issaoui’s hometown.
Witnesses said police fired gas to disperse protesters who had gathered outside police headquarters.
The incident was similar to that of Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor who set himself on fire in the town of Sidi Bouzid in December 2010 after a policewoman confiscated his fruit cart.
Bouazizi’s death sparked protests that ended in the overthrow of then-President Ben Ali and rebellion elsewhere in the Middle East.
