Algerian President Orders Death Penalty for Forest Arsonists

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has taken firm action in response to a series of devastating forest fires that have recently swept across the country. Tebboune has officially ordered the implementation of the death penalty for anyone proven to have deliberately set forest fires.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held on Sunday (30/8). The meeting, attended by senior civilian and military officials, focused on discussing measures to address the impact of the fires, which have claimed at least 12 lives.

As a follow-up, President Tebboune instructed the Algerian Minister of Justice to immediately draft amendments to the criminal code. The government has set a deadline of 15 September for the relevant ministry to submit the proposed changes.

According to state television reports, although the death penalty will be imposed, its implementation will still respect the legal rights of the accused. Executions will only be carried out after all legal processes and appeals have been fully exhausted by the guilty party.

This move has drawn attention given Algeria’s legal policy over the past several decades. Although the death penalty remains in the criminal code for various serious offences, the country has in fact maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 1993.

Prior to this new directive, those who deliberately set forest fires faced already severe penalties, ranging from decades in prison to life imprisonment.

This tough policy is expected to serve as a deterrent while also acting as a preventive measure by the government to protect forest areas and public safety from future environmental sabotage.