Man Sets Self On Fire In Armenian Capital

(RFE/RL) YEREVAN, February 27, 2007 (RFE/RL) --  A man has died in hospital after suffering third-degree burns today when he immolated himself in front of the Armenian government building in Yerevan, RFE/RL’s Armenian Service reported.

Djivan Hakopian made antigovernment statements before dousing his body in gasoline and lighting himself on fire on Yerevan's Square of the Republic today.

“There were people who heard him complaining about the regime,” a witness told RFE/RL. “I couldn't see this with my own eyes. When I approached he was surrounded. People put blankets on him to put out the fire. He was burned completely."

Doctors say the 44-year-old Hakopian's respiratory system was damaged and he reportedly suffered third-degree burns on 80 percent of his body.

Armenian government officials said Hakopian had not filed any formal complaints before the incident.