Aaron

Aaron

Self-immolation is probably the most violent expression of non-violent resistance, the bravest way of confronting cowardice, the purest form of selfless solidarity.

It means accepting to die while refusing to abide by the primitive talionic instinct, the rules imposed by the despicable hegemonic narrative that tells us to take an eye for an eye, to kill in return, to seek revenge for the pain endured. It means accepting to sacrifice everything without the certainty of an outcome other than your terrible suffering and most probable death.

In that sense, self-immolation What looks like an act of desperation, is in its essence an act of hope, it is an unequivocal and courageous commitment to hope:

hope that there is still humanity in each and every one of us, but that we need a wake up call to stop our erring.

hope that change is still possible but that most ordinary means of legitimate protest have simply been exhausted by the deafness of those in power.

The hope that while the flames eat into the flesh, they create space for a different imagination, for a kinder future.

Hope that every second of agony has the potential to save a human life down the line.

Leaders of the free world, may you be shaken to the core as we were, while witnessing this man’s march for freedom. May you finally be brought to reason by a man who showed you the true meaning of patriotism, of a proper sense of duty to humanity, of unconditional principled dedication to goodness, equality and justice. May you feel guilt and shame for your complicity and connivence.

And you, brother, may your sacrifice be forever remembered, As a vivid memorial of our collective failure. You came from God with the message, And to Him you shall return, May you rest in peace, Harun, انا لله و انا اليه راجعون.