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Firefighters outside the headquarters of the Islamist Ennahda party after a man set himself on fire there
Photo: Francesca Ebel / AP
According to the Tunisian public prosecutor, a man set himself on fire in the headquarters of the Islamist Ennahda party. The man died today in the incident in the capital Tunis, as the state agency TAP reported, citing the public prosecutor's office. According to the Interior Ministry, he was said to have previously worked at the reception in the headquarters, as the report goes on to say. The motive for the act was initially unclear.
In a subsequent fire at headquarters, 18 people were injured, including two high-ranking party members, according to TAP. Former Prime Minister Ali Larayedh saved himself from the flames by jumping out of the window on the second floor. He had to be treated with a leg injury in the hospital, it said. Other people also jumped out of windows of the building, according to the report. Several suffered smoke inhalation. The fire has now been extinguished.
The Ennahda has been in a deep crisis since President Kais Saied ousted Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi in July and suspended the work of parliament for an indefinite period. The Ennahda is the strongest force there, it spoke of a "coup". Saied had previously fought a power struggle with the party for months. The majority of the population supported Saied's move. The Ennahda has lost a lot of trust. Many Tunisians accuse the Islamists of corruption and lust for power.
According to Reuters news agency, Saied also said the political problem in Tunisia today arises from the current 2014 constitution, which is no longer valid.
“The way forward is to return to the people in a completely new and different way.
There must be a legal solution based on the will and sovereignty of the people «, Saied is quoted in the statement.
In December 2010, the Tunisian greengrocer Mohammed Bouazizi set himself on fire - triggering mass protests and political upheaval in several Arab countries.
The 26-year-old was considered desperate in view of his precarious life situation.
He succumbed to his injuries a few weeks later.
jso / dpa / Reuters
