A 52-year-old man died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, police said Thursday. Officers responding to an emergency call at about 6:30 p.m. found the man with severe burns; he was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Activists identified the man as Lobga Rangzen, a Tibetan activist who had allegedly appealed for Tibetan independence before the incident. He reportedly arrived carrying a Tibetan flag. Police have not officially confirmed his identity or motive.

According to fellow community members, Rangzen was allegedly enraged by the Chinese regime's policies toward Tibetans and a new ethnic unity law that took effect this week. The law purportedly aims to promote a shared national identity among China's ethnic groups, but the US and EU have expressed concern it could further restrict minority rights.

The International Campaign for Tibet said Rangzen was a 'tireless advocate for Tibet' who devoted himself to peacefully raising awareness of human rights in Tibet. The group reports that over 150 Tibetans have self-immolated between 2009 and 2022, including 10 in exile.

The Chinese regime claims it peacefully incorporated Tibet in 1950 and rejects accusations of repressive policies. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: www.dw.com