le parquet ordonne l’ouverture d’une enquête suite à la tentative d’immolation par le feu d’un citoyen
Summary
On June 1, 2025, an alarming event unfolded in Algiers when a citizen named Fouzi Zagout attempted self-immolation outside the Ministry of Justice. The prosecution office near the Bir Mourad Raïs court announced that an investigation has been initiated to understand the motives and circumstances surrounding this incident.
At approximately 7:20 AM, Zagout doused himself in gasoline and ignited his body. Quick-thinking security personnel at the ministry intervened swiftly, extinguishing the flames and administering first aid. He was subsequently rushed to the Zéralda burn unit, where he is currently reported to be in stable condition.
The authorities also revealed that Zagout had accomplices: one person facilitated his transport to the ministry, while another recorded the incident and shared it on social media without making any effort to intervene.
Fouzi Zagout was already facing legal challenges. He was under judicial supervision in connection with two cases pending at the Frenda court. The first case pertains to unauthorized activities associated with an association, misrepresentation of a role, and receipt of donations without approval. The second is related to inciting an unarmed gathering and obstructing public traffic.
As the investigation continues, the situation raises serious concerns about mental health, social pressure, and the legal implications of such acts in Algeria.
Rewritten Version
In Algiers, the prosecution office at the Bir Mourad Raïs court has initiated an inquiry into a disturbing incident that took place on June 1, 2025. A man named Fouzi Zagout attempted to set himself on fire in front of one of the entrances to the Ministry of Justice.
According to a statement released by the public prosecutor, Zagout, who resides in Frenda (in the Tiaret province), arrived at the ministry at around 7:20 AM. He then doused himself with gasoline and ignited his body. Thankfully, security personnel stationed at the ministry acted quickly to extinguish the flames and provide immediate assistance. Emergency responders from the Civil Protection agency subsequently transported him to the urgent care unit for burn victims in Zéralda, where he is now reported to be in stable condition.
The statement revealed that Zagout’s act was not performed in isolation; he was accompanied by two individuals. One of these accomplices arranged for Zagout’s transportation to the ministry, while the other recorded the shocking event and shared the footage on social media without attempting to intervene.
Complicating matters further, it has come to light that Zagout is already entangled in legal troubles. He is facing charges in two cases scheduled for trial at the Frenda court. These charges include unauthorized involvement with an association, impersonation of a position, and collecting donations without the necessary legal permissions. The second case involves accusations of inciting an unarmed public assembly and obstructing traffic.
As investigations into both the self-immolation attempt and Zagout’s prior legal issues proceed, there is significant public concern regarding the underlying motivations for such drastic actions. The rising instances of social unrest and legal challenges in Algeria highlight a complex interplay of mental health issues, societal pressures, and the ramifications of legal conflicts.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the personal struggles that individuals may face and raises important questions about the support systems in place for citizens in distress. Furthermore, the involvement of viewers and bystanders—who record such acts but fail to intervene—awaits scrutiny as society grapples with the ethics surrounding such actions.
As the situation evolves, the authorities are expected to further investigate the motives behind Zagout’s distressing act and the broader implications it has for the community. The case not only shines a light on individual anguish but also reflects the pressing need for a more robust framework to address mental health and social welfare issues in Algeria.
