Background
On January 15, 2007, while playing outside his home, Youssif was approached by masked men who proceeded to pour gasoline on him, set him on fire, and flee, leaving then-4-year-old Youssif to burn. After the attack, Youssif's father spent nine months trying to obtain medical care in Iraq to treat his son's scarring, without success. Doctors in Iraq told the family that there was little they could do to help and that the family's only option was to seek treatment outside Iraq, an option they simply could not afford.
Eventually, after being told they could help, Youssif's father visited CNN's Baghdad bureau to ask for advice on how to help his son. In doing so, Youssif's parents risked their safety. When asked by CNN why they took such a risk, Youssif's mother, Zainab, responded: "I'd prefer death than seeing my son like this."
In August 2007, CNN's Arwa Damon reported on Youssif's story on CNN and CNN.com, which resulted in an international outpouring of support for the boy, with thousands across the world expressing willingness to donate to help him and his family. The story went on to become one of the most-read, non-breaking news stories in CNN.com's 12-year history.
No arrests have ever been made in connection with the attack.
Read more about this topic: Youssif (burn Victim)
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