In brief
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has urged the justice ministry to reinstate the death penalty for arsonists following a wave of forest fires that killed at least twelve people in the northeast of Algeria. More than 100 wildfires have been recorded in recent days, prompting investigations into possible foul play amid a severe heatwave that worsened the blaze. The president set a deadline of 15 September for legislative amendments that would add capital punishment to the list of sentences for intentional forest fires, where current penalties range from up to 30 years of imprisonment to life in prison. While Algeria’s penal code still contains the death penalty for certain offences, no execution has taken place since 1993. Rescue crews are working to quell the remaining fires, and the government will also compensate families and repair damaged properties.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has instructed the justice ministry to reinstate the death penalty for arsonists after a wave of forest fires killed at least twelve people.
Recent months have seen more than one hundred wildfires in eastern Algeria, many of which were extinguished but still caused widespread damage and loss.
The president said investigations would focus on potential foul play amid a severe heatwave that amplified the blazes.
He set a deadline of 15 September for legislative amendments that would allow the death sentence for anyone found guilty of intentionally starting a fire in forested areas.
Under current law, deliberate forest fires carry up to 30 years of imprisonment, or life imprisonment in particular cases; the new laws propose a harsher punishment.
Although Algeria’s penal code still contains the death penalty for certain offences, no executions have taken place since 1993.
The administration will also provide compensation to families and repair damaged homes and essential services.
Experts say climate change has increased the intensity and spread of wildfires in the region.
