Algeria to reinstate death penalty for deliberate arson, president says
Algeria plans to reinstate the death penalty for people convicted of deliberately starting wildfires following a recent wave of deadly fires.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said on Sunday, August 30, that Algeria would amend its Criminal Code before 15 September to allow capital punishment for deliberate arson. He said the proposed changes would be sent to the government and then submitted for expedited consideration, while calling for experts to review the issue. Tebboune also urged authorities to strengthen fire prevention measures and asked the public to share information or evidence about suspected arsonists.
Tebboune said the timing and locations of some fires were “strange”, pointing to blazes that reportedly started simultaneously in distant areas and late in the evening. Several people have been arrested as investigations continue.
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