Mohammed Buoazizi, the man who burned Tunisia, Egypt and Libya and some other countries in the Middle East is now admired and the envy of many Muslims in the Arab World.
Buoazizi as a man had been in and out of prison even for minor misdeeds like defying authorities and repeatedly insisting his rights to make a living by selling goods and various merchandise, like fruits and vegetables in the busy streets of his hometown in Tunisia. Many times his push cart overturned and battered, his goods confiscated. But by paying bribe money he got all of them back and just went back on business as usual. This had been his experience for many years. And he was not alone. There were many of them on the streets. But take note, selling on push cart in public places without permit is banned.
Buoazizi, son of a poor construction worker, could not find a more decent job because he had no good education. That when his father died of cancer he inherited big responsibility of supporting the family of five, providing food and education to his younger siblings.
As with his friends and neighbors they went on the same street vending everyday despite government harassment which many times turned violent Among his partisans Buoazizi showed more courage and perseverance, that at one time he was called to the office of the governor only to be sent to prison. He was sent to jail a few days. But all these did not deter him, his only way of making a living.
The last straw that did him in was when a lady officer from the office of the governor was sent to confront him. His merchandise destroyed, his pushcart wrecked and his electronic scale, which he just purchased on installment, confiscated. The grumpy and overpowering elderly slapped him in public, that he shouted back, "How do you think will I earn a living!" All eyes were focused on him. But the husky woman went on with her assault and violent attacks. Buoazizi, obviously hurt ran, got a can of gasoline from a nearby gas station, brought his wrecked cart near the office of the governor, doused himself with gasoline and set himself aflame.
Buoazizi was a patient man all his life, but his patience was stretched beyond his control and broke.
What happened next? see you.
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