Algeria Approves Death Penalty for Arsonists and Child Kidnappers

Algeria's parliament has voted in favor of a bill imposing the death penalty on individuals who intentionally set fire to forests, crops, or trees, as well as those who kidnap and harm children. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the revision of the penal code following a wave of over 100 wildfires in the northeastern region during an extreme heatwave. Justice Minister Belkacem Zeghmati stated in parliament that introducing capital punishment is an appropriate legal response to deter these acts, noting that deliberate arson has evolved into organized crime involving foreign entities. Although Algeria's penal code has historically included severe punishments, capital punishment had not been actively applied in this context since 1993. While official government reports state that 12 people died in the blazes, independent journalists and local media estimate the death toll could be as high as 200. The law now awaits final ratification by the president before taking effect.