Algerian President Tebboune orders death penalty for arsonists after northern wilaya fires
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has instructed the Minister of Justice to revise punitive laws by September 15, introducing the death penalty for individuals convicted of intentionally starting forest fires. This decision follows severe fires that affected several northern wilayas this summer. The President emphasized that the death sentences would be carried out, ending a previous moratorium on such cases. This move aligns with a broader policy of penal reinforcement, as Tebboune had previously mentioned using capital punishment for serious forms of delinquency. Investigations confirmed a criminal origin for some fires, with security services identifying simultaneous fire outbreaks and presenting suspects to justice. The authorities distinguish between fires caused by human intent and those resulting from extreme weather conditions like intense heat, strong winds, and dry vegetation. The new legal text specifically targets the former. In parallel with these punitive measures, President Tebboune promised full compensation for all citizens affected by the fires, covering homes, livestock, agricultural equipment, and work tools. The goal is to help affected areas recover quickly, with aid payments scheduled before the social re-entry period to prevent families from facing autumn in destitution. Wilaya commissions have been tasked with assessing damages in coordination with communal structures.
