Algerians battle deadly wildfires as Tebboune seeks death penalty for arson

Algeria is battling a severe and unprecedented wave of wildfires across multiple provinces, causing widespread devastation, particularly in the Jijel region. Firefighters, supported by the army, are struggling to contain the blazes, which have destroyed vast forest areas and resulted in significant loss of livestock and homes. While official reports cite 12 deaths in Jijel, evidence suggests the actual fatality count is much higher, with reports of mass graves and hundreds of deceased. In response to the crisis, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared three days of mourning, designated Jijel a disaster area, and called for the reinstatement of the death penalty for arsonists, a move that has drawn both support and opposition. The president attributed the fires to climate change and criminal acts, rejecting conspiracy theories.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has called for the death penalty for individuals convicted of deliberately starting forest fires. This directive follows recent wildfires in northeastern Algeria that resulted in at least 12 deaths and 54 injuries. Tebboune instructed the justice minister to propose amendments to the penal code by September 15 to allow capital punishment for this offense. He also suggested that some fires may have been intentionally set, citing simultaneous outbreaks across multiple regions. The president ordered provincial governors to provide all relevant information to security authorities and announced compensation for affected families and damaged property, along with efforts to restore essential services in the affected areas. Algeria has not carried out the death penalty since 1993, though it is currently an available punishment for certain offenses.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has called for the reinstatement of the death penalty for arsonists following a series of over 100 wildfires that have killed at least 12 people. The president has instructed the justice ministry to amend criminal law to introduce capital punishment for those convicted of intentionally starting fires in forested areas, with a deadline of September 15th for these changes. Tebboune also stated that foul play is not being ruled out, given the intensity of the recent blazes which caused widespread destruction, injuries, and displacement in northern Algeria. While capital punishment exists in Algeria's penal code, no executions have occurred since 1993.