Tunisian Professional Footballer Commits Suicide Over Bad Government

A Tunisian professional footballer, Nizar Issaoui, has killed himself in protest over what is described as the "police state" in his country.

The incident, which took place in Haffouz central region of Kairouan, was disclosed by his brother, Ryad, on Friday. 

The 35 year-old footballer, who was taken to a hospital in Kairouan was however, transferred to the specialist burns hospital in Tunis where he later died from third-degree burns. 

“He died yesterday (Thursday) and will be buried today," his brother disclosed. 

Issaoui’s mortal protest is reminiscent of the action taken by street vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi, on December 17, 2010 when he burnt himself.

Bouazizi's self immolation teed off the infamous Arab Spring which ended a number of authoritarian regimes across the Middle East.

Already, news of Issaoui's death set off street protests in Haffouz on Thursday evening with young demonstrators hurling stones at police who responded with tear gas.