Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has announced plans to introduce capital punishment for arsonists in response to recent devastating forest fires across the country. The president directed the justice ministry to amend criminal law to provide for the death penalty for individuals convicted of intentionally setting fires in forested areas, with a deadline of 15 September for the legislative changes to be implemented.
The move follows a significant wave of wildfires that swept through northern Algeria, resulting in at least 12 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and the displacement of thousands of residents. More than 100 wildfires were recorded in recent days, with the majority having been extinguished by authorities. Civil authorities continued efforts to combat remaining fires, with 18 of 19 blazes recorded over a 24-hour period extinguished as of Sunday afternoon.
Under existing legislation, deliberately starting forest fires carries penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment, or life imprisonment in certain cases. Although Algeria’s penal code includes capital punishment for some offences, no executions have been carried out since 1993. President Tebboune did not rule out the possibility of arson, stating that necessary investigations would be conducted given the intensity of the fires.
The fires occurred during an intense heatwave affecting northern Africa, with both Algeria and Tunisia experiencing particularly severe conditions. Climate change has been identified as a factor intensifying the frequency and severity of wildfires in the region, though Algeria regularly experiences such fires during summer months. The government announced plans to provide compensation to affected families and fund repairs to damaged homes and essential services, while also conducting assessments of the overall damage and losses incurred.
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