Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside Justice Ministry in Protest

An Algerian man set himself on fire outside the justice ministry in Algiers on Sunday, June 1, in a dramatic act of protest that has drawn national attention and stirred debate across the country. Identified by local media as Faouzi Zegout, a resident of Frenda located about 340 kilometres west of the capital, the man reportedly poured petrol on himself and ignited the flames near the ministry building.

Security personnel stationed at the ministry quickly intervened, managing to extinguish the fire before Zegout suffered life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a burns hospital in Algiers, where medical staff confirmed he is in stable condition.

A video shared online and filmed moments before the act shows Zegout in formal attire—white shirt, black trousers, and a tie—explaining his reasons for the protest. In the footage, he claims he was facing a ten-year prison sentence handed down by a judge at the Frenda court for organizing a charitable fundraising campaign without official authorization. He said the effort was intended to support individuals in need of medical care and that his verdict was scheduled for the same day as the incident.

Zegout used the video to appeal directly to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, accusing the judiciary of abusing its power and urging intervention.

While acts of self-immolation are rare in Algeria, the incident has evoked memories of similar protests in neighbouring Tunisia, where such acts have historically catalyzed political movements. Zegout’s actions have sparked a wave of public discussion around judicial fairness and the space for civic activism in Algeria.