VietNamNet Bridge – A 53-year-old woman in Pho Nhon commune in Duc Pho district, Quang Ngai province burnt herself with petrol on August 12 to protest the local authorities’ decision in a land-related case.

Ms. Pham Thi L was taken by the local authorities and her family to the the Hospital of Dang Thuy Tram in Duc Pho district. She was then transferred to Quang Ngai General Hospital in critical condition.

It was initially reported that the woman and her neighbor Mr. Thach Canh Pho were involved in land disputes. On August 23, 2013, the Duc Pho District People's Committee organized mediation and then recognized that the disputed land belonged to Pho.

Ms. L disagreed with the Duc Pho District People's Committee’s decision. She continued to complain to the People’s Committee of Quang Ngai province but her complaint was rejected on April 2, 2015.

On August 18, 2015, she submitted her petition to the Duc Pho District People’s Court. The Court asked her to send supplementary documents by July 20, 2015. However, seven days after receiving additional documents from Ms. L, on July 27, 2015, the Court returned the petition to Ms. L, saying that the time for suing had  expired.

On August 5, 2015, Ms. L filed a complaint about the Duc Pho District People’s Court’s returning of her petition.

On the morning of August 12, about 20 staff of the People’s Committee of Pho Nhon commune came to revoke the land to hand over it to Mr. Pho.

Ms. L burned herself in front of these people, her family and local people.

The woman is being treated in hospital.

Dan Tri