Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has given the justice ministry until 15 September to amend the criminal code to introduce the death penalty for anyone convicted of intentionally starting forest fires, following a wave of wildfires that have killed at least 12 people and injured dozens in the country’s northeast.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered the justice ministry to amend the criminal code to introduce capital punishment for arsonists, setting a 15 September deadline for the legislative change. The move comes after more than 100 wildfires were recorded in recent days in north-eastern Algeria, killing at least 12 people and injuring 54, according to Al Jazeera. The death penalty remains in Algeria's penal code for some offences, but no execution has been carried out since 1993.
On Saturday, Tebboune said he did not rule out foul play and called for investigations into the intensity of the fires. Under current law, deliberately starting forest fires is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, or life imprisonment in certain cases.
The fires erupted amid an intense heatwave affecting northern Africa, with Algeria and Tunisia particularly affected. Algerian civil authorities were still battling some blazes on Sunday afternoon, though state news agency APS reported that 18 out of 19 fires that broke out in the previous 24 hours had been extinguished.
Tebboune also ordered compensation for affected families and repairs to damaged homes and essential services, and said investigations would be conducted into the extent of the damage and losses caused by the fires.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Death penalty revival: If enacted, this would be the first execution in Algeria since 1993, breaking a three-decade moratorium. It signals a major shift in the country's penal policy.
- Broader climate context: The fires occurred during an intense heatwave in North Africa—climate change is making such events more frequent, putting pressure on governments to respond with increasingly severe measures.
- Disaster relief and recovery: With thousands displaced and homes destroyed, the government's compensation and rebuilding pledges will be closely watched for speed and adequacy.
Background
Algeria regularly experiences forest fires around the summer months, but the intensity and number of fires this year have been exceptional. The country retains the death penalty in its penal code for certain crimes—including terrorism and treason—but has observed a moratorium on executions for three decades. President Tebboune's proposal would specifically add arson causing death or destruction of forested areas to the list of capital offences. The fires in north-eastern Algeria destroyed large areas of forest, injured dozens and displaced thousands of people.
Key Perspectives
President Tebboune and his administration: Argue that the severity of the fires—and the possibility of arson—demands the harshest possible deterrent. The president has framed the move as a necessary response to protect the country's forests and citizens.
Human rights organisations: Likely to oppose the move, arguing that the death penalty is an irrevocable punishment that has been shown not to deter crime and that Algeria's long moratorium represented progress toward abolition. They may also question whether arson investigations can reliably establish intent.
Fire-affected communities: Many residents who have lost homes or family members may support harsher penalties for those responsible. However, their immediate concerns centre on compensation, shelter and restoration of essential services.
What to Watch
- 15 September deadline: Whether the justice ministry meets the president's deadline to submit amendments to parliament.
- Parliamentary vote: The bill's passage and any amendments that may moderate or broaden the scope of capital punishment.
- Arson investigations: Whether any suspects are charged and how authorities handle cases that could trigger the new penalty.
- Execution record: If the law passes, whether the government carries out its first execution since 1993, or if international pressure leads to continued restraint.