This is a list of notable people who committed self-immolation (the act of setting themselves on fire) for political reasons. Non-political self-immolations are not included in the list.
Self-immolation is commonly understood as suicide by means of fire, although some scholars refer to the practice using the term "auto-cremation".[1] The act of self-immolation has historical roots extending back centuries. Self-immolation was undertaken by a group of Christians around 300 A.D., who chose to burn themselves before Roman authorities could enact an execution order issued by Emperor Diocletian.[2] Jack Downey, a professor of religious studies at the University of Rochester who specializes in the study of self-immolation as a form of protest, notes that there has long been debate over whether the act's extreme nature ultimately overshadows or detracts from the intended message of the protest itself.[3][4]
Led to several other monks and nuns committing the same act. Before Diệm was toppled, the photo, photographed by Malcolm Browne, became well-associated with his political protest.
Buddhist monk. He soaked his robes in gasoline and self-immolated in the courtyard of Từ Đàm Pagoda in Huế. Before, he announced over the loudspeaker that he was going to commit suicide in demand for Buddhist rights. After his death (the third self-immolation in one week), the government declared martial law, sparking more Buddhist protests.[9]
October 27, 1963
Ho Dan Van
35–45
Buddhist monk. Dressed in civilian clothing, he was dropped off by a motorcyclist in front of a Catholic cathedral in Saigon, where he squatted in a lotus-fashion, poured gasoline in his lap and struck a match.[10]
Mother whose three-month-old baby girl died in October 1965. Her brother had also died in the Korean War. Self-immolated in front of her home in South Bend, Indiana.[9] Survived.
April 7, 1966
Nikolai Didyk
26
Soviet Union
Government refusal to let him fight in the Vietnam War
Self-immolated outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City, replicating Roger LaPorte's death two years earlier. Died on December 12.[27][28]
February 29, 1968
Pham Van Qui
28
South Vietnam
Buddhist layman self-immolated outside pagoda.[29]
Ruppert and Helmut Kleinknecht wrote a letter a day before their act in which they explained the reasoning behind their decision, and their affiliation with Ananda Marga. The next morning, she and Kleinknecht doused themselves with gasoline and self-immolated at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin.[59][60]
February 8, 1978
Helmut Kleinknecht
28
Self-immolated along with Erika Ruppert at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin.[59][60]
Discrimination against Crimean Tatars in the Soviet residence permission system, which prohibited nearly all Crimean Tatars who were deported in 1944 from returning to their place of birth
Mamut was born and raised Crimea until the NKVD deported all Crimean Tatars to Central Asia in May 1944. He returned to Crimea in 1975 and was later arrested and charged for not having a residence permit to live there, despite being born in the peninsula; the residence permit system was designed to prevent exiled Crimean Tatars from returning to their homeland. Then police came to arrest him on 23 June 1978 Mamut self-immolated rather than being deported again and died 5 days later.[65]
Lynette Phillips had previously planned to self-immolate outside the British Houses of Parliament in London, but upon receiving word of this, British authorities deported her. She changed her plan and decided to self-immolate outside the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. She protested against "inhumanity, injustice and irrationality prevalent in our society". She died at the scene.[67]
Protest against the executions of political prisoners committed by the Khomeini government as well as human rights abuses in Iran
Los Angeles resident originally from Iran. Flew from LA to NYC. Participated in a protest and self-immolated in front of the UN shortly after protest ended. Died the next day.[86]
In protest of exile and mistreatment of Crimean Tatars by the government
Self-immolated in front of a government building. Died several hours later.[91]
December 14, 1989
Seidamet Balji
In protest of exile and mistreatment of Crimean Tatars by the government
While being forced to leave Yalta he doused himself with gasoline and self-immolated. Survived after being extinguished, but said he would do it again if he had to live in exile for longer.[91]
Binh Gia Pham had five friends tape his self-immolation outside Boston. Died at the scene.[103][104]
April 29, 1993
Graham Bamford
48
United Kingdom
War in Bosnia and Herzegovina
'The British army must not be a guard of honour at a mass funeral. Bosnian babies, children, and womenfolk are waiting for the politicians to do what they know they should – give them military protection.'[105]
Self-immolated himself in Trichy, Tamil Nadu over the Killings of Sri Lankan Tamils committed by the Sinhalese-dominated Sri Lanka government and to Protest against India playing the Sri Lanka Cricket team in Chennai.[110]
Ex-monk. In protest of police interference with unto-death hunger-strike in Delhi. Died 2 days later in hospital after visit by the Dalai Lama.[112][113][114]
Self-immolated in a public place[125] Money problems resulting from the Luxembourgish government denying her family the authorisation to open a garage despite meeting all the legal requirements and suing the State for discrimination have driven the woman to desperately plead her case publicly after writing an open letter to the Prime Minister warning him of what she was about to do. However no help was sent to her to prevent her immolation.[126]
A Tamil woman immolated herself in front of a tahsil office at Kanchipuram to protest death sentences of A. G. Perarivalan, V. Sriharan (alias Murugan), and T. Suthendraraja (alias Santhan). She died the same day.[158]
Monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Self-immolated on the streets of Ngaba alongside Lobsang Kunchok. Survived but was imprisoned for 6 years[162][163]
September 26, 2011
Lobsang Kunchok
18
Monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Self-immolated on the streets of Ngaba alongside Lobsang Kelsang. Survived with leg amputated and imprisoned for 6 years.[162][163]
October 3, 2011
Kelsang Wangchuk
17
Monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Self-immolated on the streets of Ngaba. Status unknown.[162][163]
October 7, 2011
Khaying
18
Former monk turned nomad. Self-immolated on the streets of Ngaba alongside Choephel. Died the next day.[162][163]
October 7, 2011
Choephel
19
Former monk turned nomad. Self-immolated on the streets of Ngaba alongside Khaying. Died 4 days later.[162][163]
October 15, 2011
Norbu Dramdul
19
Former monk turned Nomad. Self-immolated on the streets of Ngaba. Died on January 5, 2012.[162]
October 17, 2011
Tenzin Wangmo
20
Nun from Mame Dechen Chokorling Nunnery in Ngaba. Self-immolated at the intersection of Sancta bridge and the nunnery. Died 10 minutes after at the scene.[162][163]
October 25, 2011
Dawa Tsering
38
Monk from Kandze Monastery. Self-immolated at the monastery. Status unknown but presumed dead.[163][164]
November 3, 2011
Palden Choetso
35
Nun from Geden Choeling Nunnery in Tawu. Self-immolated on the same exact spot Tsewang Norbu stood on 3 months prior. Whilst burning, she stood completely still whilst praying before she died.[165][163]
November 4, 2011
Sherab Tsedor
25
Self-immolated in front of Chinese embassy in New Delhi, India. Survived[166]
Former monk turned farmer from Chamdo. Self-immolated in Chamdo. Died 5 days later.[168]
January 6, 2012
Tennyi
20
Former monk turned nomad from Ngaba. Self-immolated at a hotel courtyard in Ngaba alongside Tsultrim. Died at the scene[169]
January 6, 2012
Tsultrim
20
Former monk turned nomad from Ngaba. Self-immolated at a hotel courtyard in Ngaba alongside Tennyi. Died the day after[169]
January 8, 2012
Lama Sopa
42
Rinpoche from Darlag. Self-immolated at a hotel courtyard in Darlag. Died at the scene.[170]
January 14, 2012
Lobsang Jamyang
21
Former monk turned nomad from Ngaba. Self-immolated in the middle of Ngaba. Died shortly after.[171]
February 8, 2012
Rigzin Dorjee
19
Former monk turned nomad from Ngaba. Self-immolated near a school in Ngaba. Died at the scene.[172]
February 9, 2012
Sonam Rabyang
42
Monk from Lab Monastery in Tridu. Self-immolated on the main road of Tridu. Survived but both legs amputated.[173]
February 10, 2012
Tenzin Choedron
18
Nun from Mame Dechen Chokorling nunnery in Ngaba. Self-immolated near a temple. Died at the scene.[174]
February 13, 2012
Lobsang Gyatso
19
Monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Self-immolated in Ngaba county. Survived but was imprisoned for 5 years.[175]
February 17, 2012
Damchoe Sangpo
38
Monk from Bongthak Monastery. Self-immolated at the monastery. Died at the scene.[176]
February 19, 2012
Nangdrol
18
Student from Dzamthang. Self-immolated in Dzamthang county. Died at the scene.[177]
March 3, 2012
Tsering Kyi
20
Student and nomad from Nyima. Self-immolated at a market in Nyima. Whilst Chinese merchants threw stones at her in disgust, she held her fist up representing unity and freedom. Died at the scene.[178]
March 4, 2012
Rinchen Kyi
32
Mother of 4 and herder from Ngaba. Self-immolated near the Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Died at the scene.[179]
March 5, 2012
Dorjee
18
Nomad from Chara. Self-immolated near a Chinese office in Chara. Died at the scene.[180]
March 10, 2012
Gepey
18
Monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Self-immolated near a military camp in Ngaba. Died at the scene.[181]
March 14, 2012
Jamyang Palden
34
Monk from Rongpo Monastery in Rebkong. Self-immolated outside the Rongpo Monastery and lit himself on fire. Died on September 29.[182][179]
March 16, 2012
Lobsang Tsultrum
20
Monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Self-immolated in Ngaba. Died 3 days after. Cousin of Norbu Damdrul who self-immolated on October 15, 2011.[179]
Rinpoche at his monastery. Self-immolated with his niece Atse at his home. Died at the scene.[203]
April 6, 2012
Atse
23
Nun from Seda Larung Wuming Tibetan Buddhist Institute in Tawu. Self-immolated with her uncle in Tawu at his home. Died at the scene[203]
April 19, 2012
Sonam
20's
Student from Barma. Self-immolated in Barma with his cousin Choepak Kyab. Died at the scene.[204]
April 19, 2012
Choepak Kyab
20's
Student from Barma. Self-immolated in Barma with his cousin Sonam. Died at the scene.[204]
May 27, 2012
Dorjee Tseten
19
Originally from Bora but was a waiter in Lhasa. Self-immolated in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa alongside Dhargye. Died at the scene.[205]
May 27, 2012
Dhargye
25
Originally from Ngaba but was a waiter in Lhasa. Self-immolated in front of the Potala palace in Lhasa alongside Dorjee Tseten. Died 41 days after the protest.[205]
May 30, 2012
Rikyo
33
Mother of 2 and nomad. Self-immolated near the Jonang Monastery in Dzamthang. Died at the scene.[206]
June 15, 2012
Tamding Thar
50's
Nomad from Chentsa. Self-immolated near a police station in Chentsa. Died at the scene.[207]
June 20, 2012
Tenzin Khedup
24
Former monk turned nomad from Dzatoe. On a street in Dzatoe, Tenzin and Ngawang Norphel both waved the Tibetan flag and self-immolated. Died at the scene.[208][209]
June 20, 2012
Ngawang Norphel
22
Nomad and carpenter from Dzatoe. On a street in Dzatoe, Ngawang and Tenzin Khedup both waved the Tibetan flag and self-immolated. Died 40 days after his protest.[208][209]
June 27, 2012
Dickyi Choezom
40's
Businesswoman and mother of 2 from Yulshul. Self-immolated at the Dhondupling monastery. Last reported to be hospitalized.[210]
July 7, 2012
Tsewang Dorjee
22
Nomad and vendor from Damshung. Self-immolated at a market in Damshung. Died later that night.[211]
Monk from Gedhun Tashi Choeling Monastery in Barkham. Self-immolated in front of a Chinese government building in front of the monastery. Reported to walk 100 steps before he died from his burns.[216]
July 18, 2012
Valentina Gerasimovna
57
Russia
A woman attempted to self-immolate at the public reception center of the ruling United Russia party in Novosibirsk. Earlier, she addressed the party's public reception center for legal advice as an apartment buyer.[217][218] Died in a hospital.[219]
Akiva Mafi[220] (45) Disabled IDF veteran sets himself on fire in Yehud, on behalf of wounded veterans.[221][222] Died August 1, 2012.[223] New agency established to prevent more cases.
Monk from Kirti Monastery. Self-immolated on a street in Ngaba that is known as "Hero Street". Died later that night.[226]
August 7, 2012
Dolkar Kyi
26
Farmer and mother of 2. Self-immolated near the Tsoe Gaden Choeling Monastery in Kanlho. Died a few hours later.[227]
August 10, 2012
Choepa
24
Nomad from Meruma. Self-immolated on a road in Meruma. Died on the way to the hospital.[163][228]
August 13, 2012
Tashi
21
Former monk turned nomad from Ngaba. Self-immolated in Ngaba with Lungtok. Died a few hours later.[163][229]
August 13, 2012
Lungtok
20
Monk from Kirti Monastery. Self-immolated in Ngaba on a road known as "Hero Street" with Tashi. Died a few hours later.[163][229]
August 27, 2012
Lobsang Kelsang
18
Monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Self-immoalted near Kirti Monastery in Ngaba with Damchoe. Died later that night.[163][230]
August 27, 2012
Dhamchoe
17
Former monk turned Nomad in Ngaba. Younger brother of Tenzin Choedron who self-immolated on February 10, 2012. Self-immoalted near Kirti Monastery in Ngaba with Lobsang Kelsang. Died later that night.[163][230]
Retired government officer. Self-immolated in Beijing, China in front of the Ministry of housing and Urban-rural development. Status unknown.[163][231]
Farmer from Dzatoe. Self-immolated near a Chinese government building in Dzatoe. Died the next day.[163][232]
October 4, 2012
Gudrub
43
Writer from Nangchu. Gone to exile in 2005 where he studied in Dharmsala where he returned to Tibet soon after. Known as "Youth of the Snow Realm" for his safety as his writings were about Tibets freedom. Self-immolated at a market in Nangchu. Died at the scene.[233]
October 6, 2012
Sangay Gyatso
26
Nomad from Tsoe. Self-immolated near Dokar Monastery. Died at the scene.[234]
October 13, 2012
Tamdrin Dorje
50's
Nomad and grandfather of a rinpoche. Self-immolated near the Tsoe Monastery. Died at the scene.[235]
October 20, 2012
Lhamo Kyab
27
Farmer and nomad from Bora. Self-immolated near Bora temple. Died at the scene. Short film "Sons of Tibet" is based upon his life and his protest.[236]
October 23, 2012
Dhondup
60's
Nomad from Labrang. Self-immolated at Labrang Monastery. Died at the scene.[237]
October 23, 2012
Dorjee Rinchen
58
Farmer and bread vendor from Labrang. Self-immolated near a police station in Labrang. Died a few hours after.[238]
October 25, 2012
Tsepo
20
Herder from Driru. Self-immolated near a Chinese government building with his cousin Tenzin. Status unknown.[239]
October 25, 2012
Tenzin
25
Herder from Driru. Self-immolated near a Chinese government building with his cousin Tsepo. Status unknown.[239]
October 26, 2012
Lhamo Tseten
24
Farmer and nomad from Sangchu. Self-immolated near a court in Sangchu. Died at the scene.[240]
October 26, 2012
Thubwang Gyab
23
Nomad and father of 2 from Sangchu. Self-immolated near a bus stop in Sangchu. Died at the scene.[241]
November 4, 2012
Dorjee Lhundrup
25
Thangka artist and father of 2 from Rebkong. Self-immolated near Rongwo monastery. Died at the scene.[242]
November 7, 2012
Dorjee
15
Monk from Ngoshul Monastery. Self-immolated in Ngaba with Samdup and Dorjee Kyab. Died at the scene.[243]
November 7, 2012
Samdup
16
Monk from Ngoshul Monastery. Self-immolated in Ngaba with Dorjee and Dorjee Kyab. Status unknown.[243]
November 7, 2012
Dorjee Kyab
16
Monk from Ngoshul Monastery. Self-immolated in Ngaba with Dorjee and Samdup. Status unknown.[243]
November 7, 2012
Tamding Tso
23
Nomad and mother of 1 from Rebkong. Self-immolated in Rebkong. Died at the scene[243]
November 7, 2012
Tsegyal
27
Nomad and father of 2. Self-immolated near the Bankar village. Died 11 days after as Chinese authorities had arrested him for his protest and refused to give him medical treatment.[243]
November 8, 2012
Kalsang Jinpa
18
Former monk turned Nomad from Rebkong. Self-immolated near the Rongwo Monastery. Died at the scene.[244]
November 10, 2012
Gonpo Tsering
19
Nomad from Tsoe. Self-immolated near the Lushoe Village in Tsoe. Died 2 hours after protest.[245]
November 12, 2012
Nyingkar Tashi
24
Nomad from Rebkong. Self-immolated in Rebkong. Died at the scene.[246]
November 12, 2012
Nyingchak Bum
18
Nomad from Rebkong. Self-immolated in the middle of Rebkong. Died at the scene.[246]
November 15, 2012
Khabum Gyal
18
Farmer and nomad from Rebkong. Self-immolated on a road known as Rongwo. Died at the scene.[247]
November 15, 2012
Tenzin Dolma
23
Farmer from Rebkong. Self-immolated at a temple in Rebkong. Died at the scene.[247]
Farmer and nomad from Tsekhog. Self-immolated in front of a Chinese government building. Died at the scene[248]
November 17, 2012
Chagmo Kyi
27
Mother of 2 and taxi driver. Self-immolated in front of an office building in Rebkong. Died at the scene.[248]
November 19, 2012
Wangchen Norbu
25
Farmer from Kangtsa. Self-immolated at the Kangtsa Gaden Choephelling Monastery. Died at the scene.[249]
November 20, 2012
Tsering Dhondup
34
Farmer, nomad, and father of 3 from Labrang. Self-immolated in front of a gold mine in Labrang. Died at the scene.[250]
November 22, 2012
Lubum Tsering
18
Nomad from Rebkong. Self-immolated at a popular street in Rebkong. Died at the scene.[251]
November 22, 2012
Tamdrin Kyab
23
Former monk turned nomad from Kanlho. Self-immolated near the Luchu river. Died at the scene.[252]
November 23, 2012
Tamdrin Dorjee
29
Herder from Tsekhog. Self-immolated near a Chinese government building in Tsekhog. Died at the scene.[253]
November 25, 2012
Sangay Dolma
17
Nun from Gonshul Nunnery in Tsekhog. Self-immolated near a Chinese government building in Tsekhog. Died at the scene.
November 26, 2012
Wangyal
18
Student from Sertha. Self-immolated near a golden horse statue in the center of Sertha.[254]
November 26, 2012
Kunchok Tsering
18
Nomad from Labrang. Self-immolated in front of a gold mine in Labrang. Died at the scene[254]
November 26, 2012
Gonpo Tsering
24
Nomad and father of 3 from Luchu. Self-immolated at the Ala Deu-go monastery in Luchu. Died at the scene.[254]
November 27, 2012
Kalsang Kyab
24
Nomad from Dzoge. Self-immolated in front of a Chinese government building. Died at the scene.[255]
November 27, 2012
Sangay Tashi
18
Nomad from Sangkhog. Self-immolated in front of a Chinese government building in Sangkhog. Died at the scene.[256]
November 28, 2012
Wande Khar
21
Nomad from Tsoe. Self-immolated in Tsoe county. Died at the scene.[257]
November 29, 2012
Tsering Namgyal
31
Nomad, farmer, and father of 2 from Luchu. Self-immolated in front of a Chinese government building in Luchu. Died at the scene.[257]
November 30, 2012
Kunchok Kyab
29
Nomad and father of 2 from Ngaba. Self-immolated at a gas station in Ngaba. Died at the scene.[258]
December 2, 2012
Sangdag Kyab
17
Nomad and father of 1 from Bora. Self-immolated at Bora Temple. Survived with both legs amputated and imprisoned for 2 years.[163][259]
December 3, 2012
Lobsang Gedhun
29
Monk from Penag Monastery in Pema. Self-immolated on the streets of Pema and reported to have walked 300 steps before passing away from the burns.[260]
December 8, 2012
Pema Dorjee
23
Nomad from Luchu. Self-immolated at Shitsang Monastery. Died at the scene.[261]
December 8, 2012
Kunchok Phelgye
24
Monk from Sumdo Monastery in Dzoege. Self-immolated at the monastery. Died at the scene.[261]
December 9, 2012
Wangchen Kyi
17
Student from Tsekhong. Self-immolated at her village in Tsekhong. Died at the scene.[262]
January 12, 2013
Tsering Tashi
22
Nomad from Amchok. Self-immolated in Amchok town. Died at the scene.[263][264]
January 18, 2013
Dupchok
28
Nomad from Ngaba. Self-immolated near a police station. Died at the scene.[265]
January 22, 2013
Kunchok Kyab
26
Farmer and nomad from Bora. Self-immolated near the Bora Monastery. Died at the scene.[266]
February 3, 2013
Lobsang Namgyal
37
Monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Self-immolated in Dzoge. Died at the scene.[267]
February 13, 2013
Drukpa Khar
26
Nomad and father of 3 from Amchok. Self-immolated in Amchok. Died at the scene.[268]
Protested corruption and monopolies,[274] and demanded the resignation of Varna's mayor Kiril Yordanov and the Municipal Council.[275] Mountain climber and photographer. Set himself alight in front of the Varna municipality. Died 11 days later in hospital.[276][277]
farmer from Tsapon. Self-immolated at the Chachung Monastery in Tsapon. Died a few hours later.[278]
February 24, 2013
Tsesung Kyab
20s
Farmer and nomad from Luchu. Self-immolated at the Shistang Monastery. Died at the scene of his protest. His cousin Pema Dorjee self-immolated 2 months prior on December 8, 2012, at the same monastery.[279][280]
February 25, 2013
Sangdag
unknown
Monk from Diphu Monastery in Ngaba. Self-immolated on a road in Ngaba. Status unknown.[281]
Nomad and mother of 4 from Dzamthang. Self-immolated at the Jonang Monastery. Died at the scene[288]
March 25, 2013
Lhamo Kyab
43
Forest keeper from Sangchu. Gathered a pile of logs, poured kerosene on the pile and himself. Proceeded to light the pile alight and then placed himself on top. Died at the scene[289]
March 26, 2013
Kunchok Tenzin
28
Monk from Mokri Monastery in Luchu. Self-immolated at the monastery. Died at scene.[290]
April 16, 2013
Jugtso
20
Mother of 1 from Dzamthang. Self-immolated near the Jonang Monastery in Dzamthang. Died at the scene.[291]
April 24, 2013
Lobsang Dawa
20
Monk from Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery in Dzorge county. Self-immolated alongside Kunchok Woeser at the monastery. Died at the scene.[292]
April 24, 2013
Kunchok Woeser
23
Monk from Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery in Dzorge county. Self-immolated alongside Lobsang Dawa at the monastery. Died at the scene.[292]
May 27, 2013
Tenzin Sherab
30
Nomad from Yushu. Self-immolated near the Gyaring area of Yushu. Died at the scene.[293]
Monk from Yangpachen Monastery in Damshung, Tibet until Chinese authorities expelled him due to him being disabled. Arrived in Nepal in 2011. Self-immolated in Kathmandu at the Boudhanath Stupa. Died an hour after.[300]
Deputy head of executive committee of the Buddhist Youth movement in Ho Chi Minh City. Self-immolated at 5:30 am, died at the scene. Left banners saying "The Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam will survive side by side with the Vietnamese people! All together against Chinese invasion! I offer my body as a torch to light the path of all patriots! Support the Declaration of UBCV Patriarch Thich Quang Do to oppose China's invasion of Vietnamese waters and lands."[312]
Set self on fire in front of a police station. Believed to have died shortly after protest.[315]
September 17, 2014
Lhamo Tashi
22
Student from Amchok. Previously involved in the 2008 Tibetan unrest. set himself on fire in Tsoe City. Died at the scene[316]
December 16, 2014
Sangye Khar
33
Nomad and father of 2. Set himself on fire near a police station and died at the scene after walking a few steps while on fire.[317]
December 22, 2014
Tsepey
19
Nomad from Meruma. Set herself on fire near a market in Ngaba. Died at the scene.[318]
December 23, 2014
Kalsang Yeshi
37
Monk from Nyitso Monastery in Tawu. Set himself on fire near his monastery and a police station. Died at the scene. Left a picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the caption "The Six Million Tibetans are waiting for you."[319]
March 5, 2015
Norchuk
47
Nomad and mother of 3. Set herself on fire at her village. Died at the scene[320]
Self-immolated after local authorities confiscated his vendor stall in Khorramshahr. Died on March 22.[321] Inspired a mass protest which resulted in arrests of some 1,000 people and further self-immolations.[322]
Nun in Kardze. Set herself on fire near a police station calling for the freedom in Tibet and the long life and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tibet. Died shortly afterwards.[323]
April 15, 2015
Neykyab
45
Father of 7 from Ngaba. Set himself on fire at his home and died at the scene. His brother in law Dhargye set himself on fire on May 27, 2012.[324]
May 20, 2015
Tenzin Gyatso
35
Father of 4 from Tawu. Self-immolated in front of a government building, died shortly after.[325]
May 27, 2015
Sangye Tso
36
Business owner and mother of 2. Set herself on fire in front of a government office in Tsoe. died at the scene. left a note saying "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama, where is the panchen lama, and freedom for Tibetans![326]
July 9, 2015
Sonam Topgyal
26
monk from Nangchen county. Came to Kyegydo and set himself on fire in Gesar square. Died the following day. Left behind a note calling for the freedom of Tibet[327]
Japanese colonization of Korea and military conduct during World War II[328]
Set himself on fire in a flower bed near the Japanese embassy in Seoul during an anti-Japan protest by "comfort women" (survivors of World War II Japanese military brothels). Injuries sustained were not life-threatening. Condition Pending.[329]
Doused himself with gasoline and set himself on fire on October 24 in front of the Taraz headquarters of the ruling party Nur Otan (now since 2022 Amanat) in Taraz. Bektibayev was rushed to hospital, but later died of his burns.[333]
Protest of coal mine being sold to China as well as employees being laid off by the government
Coal mine union leader. Called for a press conference where he doused himself with an accelerant and proceeded to set himself on fire. Suffered burns on 40% of his body.[334]
Died 3 days later in a New Delhi hospital. American presidential candidate Hillary Clinton held up his photograph while speaking to a Tibetan advocacy group.[335]
Iranian refugee self-immolated at an Australian refugee detention camp during a visit to the camp by representatives of a UNHCR fundraising arm (Australia for UNHCR) who told the refugees to expect to remain on Nauru for "another ten years".[339] After more than 24 hours without adequate medical attention he was airlifted by private contractor to Brisbane, Australia where he died on 29 April 2016 from his burns.[340]
May 2, 2016
Hodan Yasi
21
In an Australian refugee detention camp. Woman from Somalia (variously referred to as Hadon/Hodan and Yasin/Yasi) was airlifted from Nauru to Brisbane[341] but her condition as at late May 2016 is shrouded in secrecy. It seems she may still be alive, since her death would have to be reported under Queensland Law and an inquest into her death held as she would be deemed to be a "Death in Custody" had she died.[citation needed]
Nomad and father of 3. Self-immolated in Machu, died at the scene after taking a few steps while on fire. His younger cousin Tsering Kyi also self-immolated on March 3, 2012.[342]
Farmer from Nyarong. Shouted that Tibet had no freedom and for His Holiness the Dalai Lama return to Tibet while on fire. Status unknown[344]
April 15, 2017
Wangchuk Tseten
30
Layman and father of 3. Self-immolated in Kardze. Status unknown but likely deceased[344]
May 2, 2017
Chakdor Kyab
16
Farmer and student from Bora. Self-immolated on Bora monastery shouting "Tibet wants freedom! Let His Holiness the Dalai Lama come back to Tibet! Victory to the Gods!" Status unknown[345]
May 18, 2017
Jamyang Losal
24
Monk from Chentsa. Self-immolated near a concert. Died soon afterwards.[346]
May 19, 2017
Unknown
54
Germany
Islamization of Germany
Died in hospital. Police said the man had scrawled slogans on his car along the lines of "Never again war on German soil" and "Amri is only the tip of the iceberg" — a reference to Anis Amri, the Tunisian who attacked a Christmas market in Berlin and whom authorities had previously been unable to deport.[347]
Zdenek "Sid" Hanzlik self-immolated outside the New Zealand Parliament Buildings protesting injustices in the Family Court, where he was engaged in an ongoing legal battle relating to access to his children. He was taken to Wellington Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.[350]
Respected monk from Kardze. Shouted "We want freedom in Tibet!" before self-immolating. Died shortly after. His picture was shown by Hollywood actor Richard Gere during a conference[356]
December 23, 2017
Konpe
30
Former monk turned nomad. Self-immolated in Ngaba and died the following day.[357]
January 15, 2018
Dmitry Rudov
39
Russia
Corruption of government
After being sacked from Gazprom's subsidiary and unsuccessfully appealing to President Putin, he set himself on fire in front of Ishimbay's City Hall in Bashkortostan. Died in hospital the next day.[358]
Nomad in Ngaba. 2 brothers were tortured and killed by the Chinese police for participating in the 2008 Tibetan unrest. Tsekho set himself on fire after shouting slogans and died at the scene.[359]
In a note sent to The New York Times and other news outlets, along with a copy attached to a shopping cart near his body he stated fossil fuel use and the environmental destruction it causes as the reason he decided to end his life by self-immolation with fossil fuels. Buckel was a prominent lawyer for gay rights, and was involved in environmental causes.[361][362][363]
Iranian asylum seeker set self on fire in government building in Göppingen after showing staff a letter denying him asylum. Listed in serious condition.[366]
Several days after threatening self-harm with a machete, Sagal walked into a downtown Oregon Park, read a statement regarding homelessness and mental health before covering herself with fluid and setting herself alight.[367]
Russian annexation of Crimea and repressions of the Crimean Tatars
Karabash set himself on fire in public, declaring Russia policies to be lawless; he had previously expressed anger at plans for demolition of Crimean Tatar houses in Russian-annexed Crimea, which had been deemed "illegal" since they were built before deported Crimean Tatars were permitted to return. Bystanders put out the flames and the injuries were reported to be non-fatal.[369]
August 15, 2018
Unknown
50s
United Kingdom
Homelessness
A woman in her fifties (later identified under the pseudonym "Melanie Smith"), under threat of eviction and suffering from mental health issues set herself on fire at the housing office of Barnet London Borough Council. She died in intensive care several months later, with council employees reportedly having been ordered not to discuss the incident with journalists.[370]
McCrary was a prolific YouTuber who had autism and whose videos were popular with "blackcels" (black incels). He also used the pseudonym Baraka Mckray, and accused black women of being "prejudiced" against autistic men such as himself.[371][372]
Nomad in Ngaba. Shouted "May His Holiness the Dalai Lama live long! May we soon behold his golden countenance!" and set self ablaze after. Died at the scene[374]
Journalist based in Kasserine. Made a video minutes before protest where he urged called for the unemployed to revolt. Died the same day after taken to a hospital.[citation needed]
Suffered 30% burns after setting himself on fire at the central Wenceslas Square of Prague on the 50th anniversary of Jan Palach's death from his self-immolation protest against the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia. According to Czech authorities, "he said it was only a remembrance to Jan Palach".[378]
Self-immolated in front of the Court in Krefeld, Germany;[379] died in hospital a month later [380]
May 29, 2019
Arnav Gupta
33
United States
Unknown
An Indian-origin resident of Bethesda, Maryland died in hospital that day after setting himself on fire near the White House in Washington, D.C. while wearing a USA T-shirt. The Washington Post described his actions as "an unmistakable protest, the loudest, most spectacular cry that people in pain can come up with".[381]
A man used 20 liters of fuel to set himself on fire in his car in the early morning outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul. He died several hours later in the hospital.[382]
The Iranian female football fan died one week after setting herself on fire outside an Iranian court, reportedly after learning she may have to serve a six-month sentence for trying to enter a football stadium (alongside men).[383]
The declining status and use of the Udmurt language in Russia.
The scholar and activist set himself on fire outside the State Council building in Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic, as the regional government was considering passing a bill to reduce the status of the indigenous Udmurt language in the republic. Razin died the same day.[384][385]
A Syrian Kurdish man set himself on fire in front of the seat of the UNHCR in Geneva.[386]
November 10, 2019
Anas K.
22
France
Student living costs, fascism, neoliberalism
A 22-year-old man enrolled at Lyon 2 University set himself on fire in front of a university restaurant in response to being unable to sustain himself on €450 a month. In a post on Facebook, he blamed Emmanuel Macron, François Hollande, Nicolas Sarkozy and the EU for having "killed" him, and also attacked Marine Le Pen and media figures for creating fear, also urging readers to "Fight against the rise of fascism which divides us, and against liberalism which creates inequalities". He was admitted to hospital with 90% burns over his body.[387][388]
42-year-old unemployed man, father of two, set himself on fire in front of Hatay governor's office. Witnesses said that he shouted "My kids are hungry!" before setting himself ablaze. He died on the same day. The governor claimed that Yarıcı divorced from his wife a while ago, had mental illness and attempt to self-immolate before.[390][391][392]
High school student from New York self-immolated and died from injuries. A climate activist who left an op-ed to the New York Times before she died.[394]
July 27, 2020
Arie den Dekker
54
Netherlands
Murder witness, removed from family, turned homeless
Den Dekker had witnessed a murder in 2018. Following this, his house was torched multiple times and he was put into a witness protection program. Unable to be with his family and having his pleas ignored by the municipality and the government, Den Dekker protested in front of Oss' city hall multiple times, throwing dead fish inside, dousing himself in cow feces and committing other acts of despair on multiple occasions. On July 27 he committed suicide by self-immolation in front of the city hall.[395]
Fraudulent election and follow-on police abuse and brutality against protests in Belarus.
36-year-old Syarhei Radchenya set himself on fire in Smalavichy, Belarus, near the local police department. According to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Syarhei poured gasoline over himself from a canister and set it on fire after which an employee ran out of the district department building and put out the fire. Syarhei was hospitalized in critical condition with burns on 84% of his body surface, including the respiratory tract. He died on September 25, 2020, as a result of his injuries.[400]
Journalist; her apartment was searched the day before by the police alleging her ties to the Open Russia group
Russian journalist Irina Slavina set herself on fire in front of the Interior Ministry office in Nizhniy Novgorod. She died there of the resulting burns.[401][402]
40 year old trans woman who burned herself publicly in Alexanderplatz square, Berlin. Ella had immigrated from Iran years earlier.[410]
January 1, 2022
Unknown
Australia
Vaccine ID and mandates
He set himself on fire on Church St. in Richmond, Victoria, sustaining life-threatening injuries. The man was stopped by paramedics and police.[411][412]
Man from Boulder, Colorado self-immolated in front of the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. Died from injuries.[417] Described himself as a Buddhist and climate activist.[416]
42 year old resident of Salt Lake City, Utah set himself on fire at Bancroft Way and Telegraph Ave on the UC Berkeley campus. He had no known affiliation with the university. Bohrer died in the hospital from his injuries days later. He claimed to have been bullied and spied on by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.[425]
A Moroccan playwright died six days after setting himself on fire following a failed hunger strike in hopes of raising his pension fund from his thirty years of service at the Moroccan Ministry of Culture which was insufficient to provide for his family.[426][427] Jaouad's wife and children were awarded financial compensation by the ministry after his death.[428][427]
A local Tunisian footballer died after setting himself on fire in what he said was a protest against Tunisia's "police state".[429] During his funeral, demonstrators started throwing stones at police, who retaliated with tear gas.[430]
Protest of the genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Congolese man set himself on fire to protest the ongoing genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The video, which was posted on Twitter on November 8, 2023, shows the man, who has not been identified, standing in front of a crowd in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, holding a sign that reads "Stop the genocide in Congo".[437]
A protestor self-immolated outside the Boston, Massachusetts Israeli Consulate. He was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital afterwards. Died in hospital 4 days later.[448][449][450]
October 5, 2024
Samuel Mena Jr
29
Photojournalist for KTVK from Phoenix, Arizona. Attempted self-immolating in Washington DC in front of the White House. Set arm on fire but flames quickly doused by protesters. Taken to hospital with burns on arms.[451][452]
Construction worker. Resolved a fight between the police and 2 unidentified people where police threatened him with arrest. He set himself on fire over the police threats. Died 2 days later.[453]
Ruslan was an actor. He lit himself on fire outside a Russian military registration in St Petersburg where he suffered 90% burns. He died the day after.[454]
President of Volna Central Research Institute for Russia's Defense Ministry. Walked to Lenin Mausoleum in the center of Red Square and set himself on fire. Suffered minor burns and survived.[456]
August 23, 2024
Demetrius Wallace
27
United States
Protest against corruption and illegal retaliation from prison staff
Prisoner at Red Onion prison. Filed a lawsuit on the prison after he was attacked by prison officials where they retaliated. He soon set himself on fire in his cell receiving burns on his foot. Survived.[432]
August 28, 2024
Mano Yogalingam
23
Australia
Protest on asylum seeker bridging visas.
Yogalingam was a Tamil asylum seeker who self-immolated in Melbourne's south-east after attending a majority of the protests being held outside the Department of Home Affairs.[457]
September 15, 2024
Ekong Eshiet
28
United States
Protest against religious violations isolation, racism, and brutality against prison inmates
Ekong and Trayvon were both inmates at Red Onion State Prison in Virginia. On September 15, both men set themselves on fire in solitary confinement making these demands and suffered third degree burns and were transferred to University of Virginia. Ekong appeared on a PrisonRadio show where he revealed his reasons why he self-immolated and that he had begun a hunger strike but other prison inmates also began a hunger strike.[458]
September 15, 2024
Trayvon Brown
United States
Protest against isolation, racism, and brutality against prison inmates
Ekong and Trayvon were both inmates at Red Onion State Prison in Virginia. On September 15, both men set themselves on fire in solitary confinement making these demands and suffered third degree burns and were transferred to University of Virginia.[458]
Protest of hazardous waste to Pithampur for incineration
Both men were present at a protest with dozens of other people. They were seen dousing themselves with an accelerant and lighting themselves on fire. Both are in the hospitals with burn injuries.[461]
Set himself on fire near South Korea's corruption investigation office.[462]
January 20, 2025
Thairie Ritchie
29
United States
Political protest
Civil rights activist from Santa Cruz. Set himself on fire near the Black Lives Matter mural at Santa Cruz City Hall. Current condition unconfirmed.[463][464]
Former bank employee for IDFC in Varanasi. Fired from the bank where he soon doused himself and recorded a video revealing the extreme stress, mental breakdown, and suicides. Soon set himself ablaze with flames extinguished quickly by bystanders. Survived.[465]
Illegal practices from his former employer, attempt to dismantle workers union, workers rights
Worked at Nestle's Kabirwala plant for 16 years. Attempted to unionize for better labor conditions but was fired. Fought for 9 years in court, self immolated inside the premises of Pakistan's Lahore High Court. Died days later. Left behind a wife and 4 children.[466]
Supporter of Yoon Suk Yeol. Carried pamphlets denouncing opposition bloc and supporting Yoon. Self immolated near Seoul City Hall around noon. Status unknown [467]
1 2 Stach, Sabine; Troebst, Stefan; Palach, Jan; Brüsewitz, Oskar (2016). Vermächtnispolitik: Jan Palach und Oskar Brüsewitz als politische Märtyrer. Moderne europäische Geschichte. Göttingen: Wallstein Verlag. ISBN978-3-8353-2933-1.
↑ Chanthasrikum, Bundit (December 19, 2013). รำลึก'ธนาวุฒิ คลิ้งเชื้อ'[Remembering 'Thanawut Klingchuea']. Kom-Chad-Luek (in Thai). Archived from the original on December 29, 2013. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
↑ Chris Mathieu (January 27, 2012). "I LOVE BOSNIA". bosniavolimte.blogspot.com. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
↑ Wiles, Ellen (2007), "Headscarves, Human Rights, and Harmonious Multicultural Society: Implications of the French Ban for Interpretations of Equality", Law & Society Review, 41 (3): 699–736, doi:10.1111/j.1540-5893.2007.00318.x, hdl:10871/120535, JSTOR4623399
↑ "April 30th". WryBread.com. April 30, 1998. Retrieved December 2, 2011.
↑ P. V. Unnikrishnan, India disasters report, towards a policy initiative, Oxford University Press, 2000; ISBN0-19-565029-8, page 270: "Dissent as a Streak of Fire On April 27, 1998 when a 60-year-old former monk immolated himself after a prolonged hunger strike by six of his Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) colleagues in Delhi. The demand: UN intervention in Tibet."
↑ Correal, Annie (May 28, 2018). "What Drove a Man to Set Himself on Fire in Brooklyn?". The New York Times. He was trying to call attention to pollution and global warming. "My early death by fossil fuel reflects what we are doing to ourselves," he wrote in his email.
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