Iranian refugee sets himself on fire in Amsterdam

Asylum seeker commits public suicide by self-immolation in Holland - Monsters and Critics

Amsterdam - A 36-year-old asylum seeker from Iran died Thursday from injuries suffering from setting himself ablaze in front of tourists the day before in Amsterdam, police said.

According to witnesses, the victim was involved in a shouting match with some English-speaking tourists on Wednesday. Suddenly warning bystanders to move away, he then set his clothing on fire with a lighter. He was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Police said they had no reliable knowledge as to the motive for the act. It is thought the man, whose asylum claim had recently been rejected for a final time by Dutch officials, had deliberately chosen the Dutch National Monument in Dam Square as the site of his suicide.