'World's dirtiest man' Amou Haji dies — in pictures

Amou Haji sits on the outskirts of the village of Dezhgah in Iran's south-western Fars province. The Iranian, called the 'dirtiest man in the world' for not taking a shower in decades, has died at the age of 94. All photos: AFP
Amou Haji sits on the outskirts of the village of Dezhgah in Iran's south-western Fars province. The Iranian, called the 'dirtiest man in the world' for not taking a shower in decades, has died at the age of 94. All photos: AFP
Amou Haji refused to use soap and water for more than 70 years, fearing it would make him sick.
Amou Haji refused to use soap and water for more than 70 years, fearing it would make him sick.
He avoided previous attempts to get him to wash, reportedly jumping out of a car when villagers tried to take him to a nearby river.
He avoided previous attempts to get him to wash, reportedly jumping out of a car when villagers tried to take him to a nearby river.
Amou Haji was a heavy smoker and years of not washing had left his skin covered in soot and pus, Iran's IRNA news agency said.
Amou Haji was a heavy smoker and years of not washing had left his skin covered in soot and pus, Iran's IRNA news agency said.
Villagers believe that he decided to live in isolation after suffering from an emotional setback in his youth.
Villagers believe that he decided to live in isolation after suffering from an emotional setback in his youth.
Amou Haji, who lived in a brick shack built by concerned neighbours, finally gave in to the pressure and washed a few weeks ago.
Amou Haji, who lived in a brick shack built by concerned neighbours, finally gave in to the pressure and washed a few weeks ago.
He became ill shortly after that and died on Sunday, October 23, 2022, according to IRNA.
He became ill shortly after that and died on Sunday, October 23, 2022, according to IRNA.