Algerian President Calls for Death Penalty Following Deadly Wildfires

ALGIERS — In the wake of a devastating series of forest fires that have claimed the lives of at least 12 people and left 54 others injured, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has moved to toughen the nation’s response to arson. On Sunday, the President directed the Minister of Justice to draft a formal proposal to amend the penal code to include the death penalty for individuals convicted of intentionally setting forest fires.

The directive, which requires a proposal to be submitted by September 15, marks a significant escalation in the government’s approach to the seasonal blazes that have repeatedly ravaged the nation’s northern regions. Currently, the Algerian penal code stipulates a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, or life imprisonment in certain circumstances, for those found guilty of arson. While the death penalty remains on the books for several capital offenses in Algeria, the country has observed a moratorium on executions since 1993.

Suspicion of Coordinated Arson

President Tebboune’s announcement comes as suspicion grows regarding the origins of the latest wave of fires. During a recent briefing, the President pointed toward the suspicious timing of the incidents, noting that authorities have documented multiple blazes erupting simultaneously in the middle of the night.

“We saw videos and noticed that a number of fires broke out at the same time, at around 1 a.m., which raises many questions,” Tebboune stated. Consequently, the President has ordered provincial governors to collaborate closely with security services, handing over all available intelligence to determine whether the disasters were the result of a coordinated campaign.

National Response and Relief Efforts

The nation is currently reeling from the tragedy, having recently concluded three days of official mourning for the victims, who were concentrated in the provinces of Jijel, Bejaia, and Tizi Ouzou.

Beyond the push for legal reform, the President has prioritized immediate humanitarian and infrastructural aid. On Monday, he ordered the establishment of committees tasked with assessing property damage and ensuring that affected families receive swift compensation.

The government’s recovery mandate is ambitious; President Tebboune has instructed officials to restore vital infrastructure—including electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications—to the disaster-stricken zones by the coming Saturday. Housing authorities have similarly been mobilized to begin repairs on damaged homes, with the President expressing a firm desire for “normal life” to return to the affected areas within a week.

The scale of the ongoing crisis remains severe. According to reports from the past 24 hours, at least 46 fires remain active across the country, with a total of 193 incidents recorded in that brief window alone. As firefighters continue to battle the flames, the death penalty proposal stands as a stark warning from the administration against the perceived threat of domestic arsonists.