Algeria to reinstate death penalty for arson and child abduction

The Algerian government, led by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, is moving to implement significant legislative and social reforms following recent wildfires. A key development is the proposed amendment to the 1966 Penal Code, which aims to make the death penalty applicable and enforceable for perpetrators of intentional arson and those involved in child abduction involving abuse. This move follows directives from the President of the Republic to end the moratorium on capital punishment for these specific crimes.

Regarding wildfire recovery, the government has begun compensating victims in the affected provinces. To manage disputes over compensation amounts, new appeal commissions will be established at the local level in the impacted communes and daïras. This allows citizens to contest settlement amounts locally.

Additionally, efforts are underway to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure. Vital networks, including electricity, gas, water, fixed and mobile telephony, and internet services, have seen total rehabilitation. Work is also nearing completion on repairing public facilities, such as primary schools, and reopening damaged roads.