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Man who lit himself on fire at Parliament was protesting 'injustices': Coroner

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Tue, 7 May 2019, 1:40PM
Zdenek "Sid" Hanzlik died in Wellington Hospital after setting himself on fire at Parliament on September 21 2017. (Photo / File)
Zdenek "Sid" Hanzlik died in Wellington Hospital after setting himself on fire at Parliament on September 21 2017. (Photo / File)

Man who lit himself on fire at Parliament was protesting 'injustices': Coroner

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Tue, 7 May 2019, 1:40PM

Warning: This story contains disturbing content. Scroll to the end for helplines for mental health services.

A man who fatally set himself on fire at Parliament was protesting against 'perceived injustices' in the Family Court, the coroner has ruled.

Zdenek "Sid" Hanzlik, 60, died in Wellington Hospital after setting himself on fire at Parliament on September 21 2017.

In inquest findings released today Coroner Peter Ryan ruled the Rotorua man's death a suicide.

Ryan's report says that Hanzlik was seen in the grounds of Parliament holding placards in an apparent protest at injustices in the Family Court.

He then poured flammable liquid over his head and body and set himself alight.

Passers-by helped by extinguishing the flames and administered first aid before emergency services arrived.

Hanzlik was transported to Wellington Hospital but died the next day as a result of his injuries.

Originally from the Czech Republic, Hanzlik was described by a friend as being "a very intelligent man who read a lot".

The friend said that Hanzlik was a "very political man" who thought all governments were corrupt and not to be trusted.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

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