Tunisian Footballer Sets Self Ablaze After Falsely Accused of Terrorism

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

Tunisian footballer, Nizar Issaoui, has died after setting himself on fire in protest against police injustice.

The 35-year-old Tunisian striker claimed policemen accused him of terrorism when he complained about the price of bananas.

According to a video circulating online, he said he was protesting against police as he had been falsely accused of terrorism in Haffouz, Kairouan, central Tunisia.

According to report, he was rushed to hospital after suffering severe burns but could not be saved.

“For a dispute with someone selling bananas at 10 dinars (£2.65), I get accused of terrorism at the police station. The video circulating online shows Issaoui screaming.

Congress gathered that Issaoui was a free agent and played in the amateur leagues before his death.

Following the incident, clashes then erupted between police and angry protesters in Haffouz, the hometown of Issaoui.

Witnesses said police fired gas to disperse the protesters who had gathered in front of the police headquarters.