Moroccan Mother Attempts Self-Immolation After Losing Child Custody in Spanish Court

Married to an Italian citizen, the victim had opted for residence in Spain, following a marital conflict. Her spouse, refusing to be deprived of his son, had filed a legal request for custody of the child.

The court’s verdict in favor of the father was not to the liking of the mother, who decided to sprinkle herself with a flammable liquid before setting fire to her body in front of the Valencia Court.

Suffering from severe burns, the victim was saved at the last minute by the firefighters, before being rushed to the city hospital to receive the necessary care.

Several women’s rights associations have expressed their solidarity with the young Moroccan woman, despite divergent opinions. For some, child custody rightfully belongs to the mother, according to European legislation; while others see no use in her act, knowing that she can still appeal.