Two more self-immolations in Bulgaria: report

SOFIA - Agence France-Presse

A Bulgarian woman shouts slogans during a protest against higher electricity prices. Two more people have set themselves ablaze amid protests. AP photo

Two more people have set themselves on fire in Bulgaria, bringing to seven the number of self-immolations amid growing despair over poverty, state BNR radio reported today.

A 41-year-old unemployed father set himself ablaze in the northeastern village of Sitovo. He was hospitalized with burns over 90 percent of his body but was conscious, telling doctors that he did it out of despair. A 59-year-old miner was also fighting for his life with 30-percent burns after setting himself on fire on March 18 in town of Bobov dol, in eastern Bulgaria.

Five other people have set themselves ablaze in the past month amid a wave of protests against high electricity bills, low incomes, and corruption. Four of them died of their injuries.