Algerian Lower House Approves Death Penalty for Arsonists

The Algerian lower house has approved a law allowing the death penalty for individuals convicted of arson, following severe wildfires that have affected the country's forests. On Thursday, members of the National People’s Assembly (APN) voted to amend the penal code to include the death penalty for those who "attempt to undermine public security and order, national unity or economic and environmental stability," as reported by Algerian media. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune proposed the amendment in September after wildfires in northeastern Algeria resulted in at least 12 fatalities. Algeria has maintained a moratorium on capital punishment since the last execution in 1993. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the law, suggesting it may be used to target political opposition groups. Amnesty International criticized the decision as a "deeply retrograde response" and urged authorities to focus on improving life protection and emergency responses to wildfires. A coalition of human rights groups also called for the withdrawal of the law, arguing that the death penalty does not deter arson. They emphasized the need for accountability and restitution from perpetrators. In 2021, during previous wildfires, Algeria detained at least 30 individuals, including members of the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK), which the government designated as a terrorist organization. Justice Minister Lotfi Boudjemaa supported the new law, stating that the death penalty is a necessary legal measure to address such crimes. Although a moratorium is in place, death sentences have previously been issued, particularly in terrorism-related cases. President Tebboune indicated that these sentences would be carried out once appeals are resolved. The law will now be reviewed by the upper house, the Council of the Nation, before receiving final approval from Tebboune.