Death penalty bill for forest arsonists clears Algeria lower house

Algeria's lower house of parliament has adopted an amendment to the penal code that would allow the death penalty for those convicted of arson. This decision follows deadly wildfires that swept through the country's forests, with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune calling for the amendment in September after at least 12 people died. The law targets individuals who attempt to undermine public security, order, national unity, or economic and environmental stability. Despite a long-term moratorium on capital punishment since 1993, human rights organizations have criticized the move. They accuse the government of using the law as a pretext to target political opposition and argue that the death penalty has not deterred arsonists. Amnesty International described the amendment as a "deeply retrograde response."

Algeria's national assembly has passed a law introducing the death penalty for arsonists convicted of setting fire to forests or fields. This legislative change follows a summer of deadly wildfires in the country's north-east, which independent news outlets estimate caused over 200 deaths, though the official toll is 12. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune directed the justice ministry to implement these changes after more than 100 fires occurred during a heatwave. The law also makes child abduction a capital offense, particularly when involving torture, sexual assault, or mutilation. Justice Minister Lotfi Boudjemaa stated that the death penalty is considered an appropriate legal response to curb these crimes. Capital punishment has existed in Algeria's penal code for some offenses, but no executions have occurred since 1993.