Former street vendor and Activist known for sparking the Tunisian Revolution and Arab Spring after his death from self-immolation. Frustrated by a lifetime of abuse from authorities that included confiscation of his property, he set himself on fire in an act of protest.
He spent most of his life selling produce on the street, eventually having to drop out of school in order to help provide for his family.
His act inspired similar acts of protest in other north African and Middle East countries. After his death, his efforts earned him the Sakharov Prize as well as being named Person of the Year in 2011 by the UK Times.
He grew up with six siblings and his father died when he was only three years old. He died 18 days after setting himself on fire.
His action set in motion a series of events that led to the deposal of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who fled the country.
