Algerian assembly backs death penalty for deliberate forest fires
Algeria’s national assembly has approved a law making the deliberate burning of forests, woods or fields punishable by death, following deadly wildfires in the country’s north-east. The measure matters because it broadens the use of capital punishment, which remains on Algeria’s statute book but has not been carried out since 1993.
The fires followed a heatwave and more than 100 blazes were reported; the official death toll is 12, while an independent journalist’s tally puts it at 200. The law also makes child abduction involving torture, sexual assault or mutilation a capital offence. It still needs review by the Council of the Nation and ratification by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
- Algeria’s assembly approves the death penalty for deliberate arson.
- Official wildfire deaths are 12; an independent tally says 200.
- The bill still requires upper-house review and presidential ratification.
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North-eastern Algeria recently experienced severe wildfires following a heatwave, with over 100 blazes recorded. Official figures indicate 12 deaths, though independent observers have reported a considerably higher number.
Capital punishment exists under Algerian law but has not been carried out since 1993. The country retains the death penalty in its legal system, though it has remained unused for over three decades.
At issue is an expansion of offences punishable by capital punishment. The proposal would make deliberate burning of forests, woods or fields a capital offence, alongside child abduction involving torture, sexual assault or mutilation.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Algeria introduces death penalty for arsonists after deadly wildfires”.