Algeria proposes reintroducing death penalty for arson and child abduction

death penalty penal code amendment arson child abduction Algerian Parliament

The Algerian government has proposed amendments to the penal code that would reintroduce the death penalty for specific serious crimes. The project, presented by Minister of Justice Lotfi Boudjemaa to the National People's Assembly, aims to end a moratorium on capital punishment that has been in place since 1993.

The proposed death penalty would apply to three main categories of crimes: intentional arson of forests, fields, or crops; arson of public or private property committed for the benefit of a foreign state or organized criminal group; and the kidnapping of children involving torture, sexual assault, or mutilation. The legislation also seeks to extend sanctions to those who fund, organize, or facilitate these acts, including through social media and information technologies.

Minister Boudjemaa stated that the move reflects a “firm political will” to combat serious crimes that threaten national security, economic stability, and public order. He noted that recent investigations into devastating summer wildfires suggested involvement by foreign entities and organized crime. The Minister emphasized that legal safeguards, including the right to legal counsel and multiple levels of appeal, remain in place to ensure fair trials.

Entities

Algeria · Assembly of the Representatives of the People · Fakhreddine Fadhloun · Lotfi Boudjemaa · National People's Assembly

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Death sentences can only be executed after a presidential pardon request is rejected. www.eldjoumhouria.dz
[● 2 SOURCES] The law would include penalties for those who fund, incite, or contribute to these crimes via social media or other means. www.elchabaka.net · okaznews.net
[● 3 SOURCES] Minister of Justice Lotfi Boujemaa presented a draft amendment to the penal code to the People's National Assembly. www.elchabaka.net · okaznews.net · www.eldjoumhouria.dz
[○ 1 SOURCE] Legal safeguards, including the right to counsel and the ability to appeal to the Supreme Court, remain in place for these trials. www.eldjoumhouria.dz
[● 2 SOURCES] The death penalty is proposed for arson or destruction of public/private property committed for foreign interests or involving treason and organized crime. www.elchabaka.net · okaznews.net
[● 2 SOURCES] The death penalty is proposed for child kidnappers, particularly when accompanied by torture, sexual assault, or mutilation. www.elchabaka.net · okaznews.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Convicted individuals for these specific crimes would be denied mitigating circumstances. okaznews.net
[● 2 SOURCES] The draft law proposes reinstating the death penalty for perpetrators of intentional forest and field fires. www.elchabaka.net · okaznews.net