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Birthplace of the revolution
One man’s suicide by self-immolation in the town of Sidi Bouzid sparked a revolution.
Unknown outside the borders of Tunisia, the town of Sidi Bouzid is now known as the birth place of the revolution. Al Jazeera(***)s Ayman Mohyeldin and Yasmine Ryan travelled to the city to meet the family of the man whose self-immolation started the protests.
Published On 16 Dec 2011
16 Dec 2011
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People have commemorated Mohamed Bouazizi at the spot where the 26-year-old fruit and vegetable seller, set himself on fire.
"I don(***)t want Mohamed(***)s death to be wasted," Menobia Bouazizi, his mother, said. "Mohamed was the key to this revolt."
Frustrated with being harrassed by police officers and refused a meeting with a local official, Bouazizi set himself alight outside the local municipal office.
Hundreds of people braved threats of police action to accompany Bouazizi(***)s body to his grave, a few kilometres outside the town.
By all accounts, Bouazizi was honest, hardworking and well-liked in the community. He was known for giving free produce to very poor families, a close friend said.
"He was very sincere," Basma Bouazizi, his shy 16-year-old sister, said. "We are like soulless bodies since he left."