Iranian Refugee Self-Immolates in Germany

An Iranian refugee whose asylum application had been rejected set himself on fire at the town hall of the small city of Göppingen in southwestern Germany. His injuries have been reported as severe.

According to police in the city of Ulm, the 35-year-old Iranian refugee, whose asylum application was rejected and who set himself on fire in protest, suffered severe injuries.

The refugee went to the town hall of Göppingen around midday on Tuesday, May 29, showed the denial of his asylum application to two female municipal employees, and asked them for help.

According to the Protestant News Agency, the town hall staff promised to help him, but the man suddenly became angry and pulled a bottle of flammable liquid from his backpack and poured it on himself.

According to police, while the female employees attempted to get to safety, the refugee set himself on fire. Subsequently, a municipal employee quickly took action and extinguished the flames with a towel.

The refugee was then transported to the hospital by helicopter. He is reported to have suffered severe burns.

Source: DW