Algeria Imposes Death Penalty for Arson Following Deadly Wildfires

Algeria has taken a firm stance against arson following a recent spate of deadly wildfires that ravaged parts of the country, with lawmakers voting to introduce the death penalty for those found guilty of setting fire to forests and fields.

The legislation, passed by the national assembly, also designates child abduction under certain aggravated circumstances as a capital offense. While capital punishment has historically been part of Algeria’s penal code, the country has not carried out an execution since 1993.

The recent wildfires claimed an official death toll of 12, though independent reports suggest the number of fatalities may be significantly higher, with one investigative journalist’s tally reaching 200 based on death notices and local information.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune mandated the justice ministry to draft these legal amendments after over 100 fires erupted in the country’s northeast during a severe heatwave affecting North Africa. The law stipulates that deliberate arson leading to the destruction of forests, woods, or fields can result in execution.

Justice Minister Lotfi Boudjemaa emphasized that the death penalty is an “appropriate legal response” to deter such crimes, which he described as having escalated to “the level of organised crime.” Investigations have also suggested potential links to “foreign parties” in the fires.

The new law, which also extends the death penalty to child kidnappings involving torture, sexual assault, or mutilation, will proceed to the Council of the Nation for review before final ratification by the president. Experts note that while forest fires are common in Algeria during summer, climate change is increasingly contributing to their intensity and severity.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/374905/algeria-introduces-death-penalty-for-arsonists-after-deadly-wildfires