BAGHDAD – Iraqi authorities say a demonstrator at an anti-government rally in the north of the country tried to set himself on fire and is being treated for burns.
Police and hospital officials said Talal Ali Abbas ignited himself Sunday in a central square in Mosul where protesters have been rallying for weeks. They say other protesters managed to put the blaze out by smothering the flames with their coats.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to release the information to reporters.
Protest organizer Ghanim al-Abid says the man is in his early 20s and suffered moderate burns, especially on his hands. He urged other protesters not to emulate the man's actions.
Iraq's minority Sunnis have been demonstrating for weeks, demanding reforms from the Shiite-led government.
Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.