Algeria proposes death penalty for arson and child abduction

Algeria is moving to reintroduce the death penalty for specific serious crimes as part of a proposed reform to its penal code. Justice Minister Lotfi Boudjemaa presented the bill to the National People's Assembly, stating the measure aims to combat organized crime and ensure public security.

The proposed legislation targets perpetrators of arson and child abduction. The government's rationale for targeting arson includes the devastating impact of recent forest fires on human life, biodiversity, and the national economy. The bill's explanatory memorandum suggests that some criminal fires may be motivated by foreign instigation, characterizing such acts as crimes of treason.

In addition to arson and kidnapping, the reform is expected to apply to drug traffickers. Minister Boudjemaa emphasized that the death penalty will be “applied to the letter” to protect citizens and societal stability, noting that there is no debate when it comes to national security and public health.