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.
