Tunisian sets himself on fire

2013-03-13 1

A young Tunisian set himself on fire on Tuesday (March 12) - a tragic echo of Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation in late 2010 that many say triggered the Arab Spring.

The 27-year-old, who has not been named, was selling cigarettes in Tunis when he started the fire.

Witnesses say he was distressed over unemployment.

The young man is now in a critical condition in hospital.

His brother says he had been trying to support his family but had struggled finding a job.

SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) BROTHER OF VICTIM, UNNAMED, SAYING:

"He is in a very bad condition - it's between life and death. God be with him."

Unemployment in Tunisia is around 17 percent, with graduates forming a large proportion of those seeking jobs.

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