Algeria Plans Death Penalty For Intentional Forest Fires

The President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has ordered plans to introduce the death penalty for people convicted of deliberately starting forest fires following recent blazes that killed 12 people.

Tebboune issued the directive during a high-level meeting on the aftermath of the fires, according to state television.

He instructed the justice minister to submit a proposed amendment to the penal code by September 15, introducing capital punishment for those convicted of intentionally setting fires in forested areas.

State television said any death sentence would only be carried out after all legal avenues of appeal had been exhausted, ensuring that convictions pass through the complete judicial process before an execution could be considered.

The death penalty remains part of Algeria’s criminal law for several serious offences, although the country has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 1993, meaning no executions have been carried out for more than three decades.

Under existing legislation, deliberately starting forest fires can result in prison sentences of up to 30 years, while aggravated cases may attract life imprisonment.

The proposed amendment follows a series of devastating forest fires across Algeria that claimed 12 lives and prompted authorities to seek tougher penalties against suspected acts of arson.

The proposal will now require consideration through Algeria’s legislative process before becoming law.

SOURCE: TRT