Nineteen-year-old Syrian Ahmad Mahmoud Youssef is in critical condition after attempting to self-immolate in economic protest in Beirut, sources told Lebanon's Daily Star on Monday.
The National News Agency said Youssef tried to set himself on fire on Sunday in the capital's Corniche al-Mazraa and is now being hospitalized for third-degree burns, according to NOW Lebanon.
Youssef was said to be indebted and in severe financial hardship, reported the Star.
It was not immediately clear whether or not the young Syrian was one of the hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who have poured into neighboring countries like Lebanon in order to escape rising violence in their homeland.
Also unknown is any connection between Youssef and the 2011 self-immolation of a Tunisian fruit vendor, also done out of economic frustration.
The Tunisian's self-immolation ignited a wave of protest throughout the Arab world.
There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!