Self-immolation as political protest: a brief modern history

A U.S. service member's self-immolation in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., this weekend appears to be exceptional even in the context of others who have staged public deaths for a political cause.

Self-immolation as political protest: a brief modern history
Several people are shown holding banners and signs at a demonstration in a nighttime, urban setting. One sign reads, 'Jan Palach.'

A U.S. service member's self-immolation in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., this weekend appears to be exceptional even in the context of others who have staged public deaths for a political cause.