Belgium: Moroccan 'Tired of Racism' Sets Himself On Fire Outside Courthouse

Footage has emerged online showing a man setting himself on fire outside a courthouse in the Belgian town of Kortrijk. The man earlier reportedly left a social media post saying he was “tired of racism,” while police have called the incident an “act of despair.”

The man, identified as a 38-year-old of Moroccan descent, left the courthouse on Tuesday and moments later returned with a canister of gasoline to a square right in front of the building, some 15 meters from the entrance, a police statement said.

As seen in the video, he then spilled some gasoline and lit it, before pouring some more on his jacket and setting it on fire. He then instantly ran towards police officers and firefighters who were already at the scene.

Local media reported that the man was taken to hospital in critical condition after receiving severe burns over 35 percent of his body.

...Posts on social media from locals expressing their sympathy also suggested the man’s name is Chafik Hanchi.

Police said they are still looking into the motive behind the desperate move, although the man had reportedly been facing difficulties in his personal life.

...The video title on Kapsalon Chafik’s (Hairdresser Chafik) [Facebook] profile says he faced a problem with the national social security office, adding that he was “tired with racism.”

After the local media broke the story, Qnioun, replying to multiple comments left under the respective post, wrote that Chafik had opened a hair salon that was later closed, as an inspection found an unregistered worker. Having paid the fines, Chafik again started his business and opened a new salon in the same street. However, days later he faced another inspection.

Qnioun went on to express his concern over the “harsh conditions” migrants endure in Kortrijk.