Man dies in hospital, after setting himself on fire in Parliament grounds
News from NZ Police
The man who set himself on fire in front of Parliament Buildings has died in Wellington Hospital.
Police are continuing to make inquiries, on behalf of the coroner.
Wellington.Scoop – September 21
Police reported at 4.15 this afternoon that a man had set himself on fire on the lawn in front of Parliament Buildings. Police, fire and ambulance staff were called to Parliament grounds.
Ambulance staff reported that the man was in a critical condition.
He was to be transferred to Wellington Hospital.
Sole protestor outside NZ Parliament in Wellington sets himself on fire just 2 days before polling day #NZpolitics #Election2017 pic.twitter.com/LxvsIhWG8s
— Matthew Taylor (@MattCNBC) September 21, 2017
Parliamentary Services have issued a notice saying the forecourt and front lawn of the Beehive “has been declared a crime scene”. Access restrictions are in place, and people have been told to exit via the back of the building.
The NZ Herald reports that the man had a sign relating to child custody issues.
Whatever the man was protesting about, the central issue is mental health. [via twitter]
I’m not saying the failed health system is OK, but hey Rachel if you don’t know all the facts then the central issue here (the protest) cannot be said to be “mental health”. The man in question (may he rest in peace) should not be labelled when we are without the facts of the case.
Forget failed mental health system, just read failed system full stop.