Algeria Wildfires: President Tebboune Seeks Death Penalty for Arson
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has called for the death penalty for people convicted of deliberately starting forest fires, following deadly wildfires in the country’s northeast.
Tebboune ordered the justice minister to submit a proposal by September 15 to amend the penal code and introduce capital punishment for intentional forest-fire arson.
The move comes after wildfires killed at least 12 people and injured 54 in Jijel, Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou. Algeria observed three days of national mourning for the victims.
Tebboune also ordered authorities to compensate affected families, assess property damage and restore electricity, gas, water and telecommunications in affected areas by Saturday. Officials were instructed to repair damaged homes and help restore normal life within a week.
Authorities are investigating whether some fires were deliberately started. Tebboune said multiple fires reportedly broke out around the same time, raising suspicions.
At least 46 fires remained active, while 193 fires were recorded across Algeria in the previous 24 hours.
