Jordan official: Protester who set himself ablaze outside PM office last week dies of wounds

By Jamal Halaby, The Associated Press

AMMAN, Jordan — A Jordanian forensics official says a protester who set himself on fire outside the prime minister's office last week has died of his wounds.

Mohammad Abdul-Karim's case was the first self-immolation since political unrest hit Jordan in January.

The forensics official says the 45-year-old man died in a hospital of first, second and third degree wounds to his face and much of his body.

Similar acts of self-immolation have occurred in other Muslim countries — some of them fatal — to protest repressive governments.

In Jordan, the protests calling for political reform have generally been smaller and more peaceful, although there were incidents of violent clashes.

The official spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to talk to the media.

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