28 Apr 2016

Injured Iranian refugee flown out of Nauru

3:22 pm on 28 April 2016
Nauru

Nauru Photo: AFP

Nauru says an Iranian refugee who suffered severe burns after setting himself alight has been flown to Australia.

The man, who had been placed on the island by Australia, set himself ablaze in an apparent protest in front of officials of the UNHCR visiting Nauru.

The government in Nauru says it is premature to speculate on the details of the incident but a full investigation is being carried out.

It says unfortunately Nauru has seen protests like this during high profile visits, as some from within the refugee community try and influence the Australian government's offshore processing policies.

The government has not said if the man will face charges for trying to commit suicide.

Last week, another Iranian refugee had reportedly splashed himself with petrol and set himself alight before neighbours intervened with a fire extinguisher.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs