# Burkina Faso penal code reform > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/burkina-faso-penal-code-reform > Updated: 2026-10-23T11:10:36.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2. The Burkina Faso legislature has unanimously approved a new penal code, reversing the 2018 abolition of the death penalty. The People’s Legislative Assembly adopted the legislation to address the country’s security crisis involving groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala stated that the previous lack of capital punishment facilitated recruitment by jihadist groups. Under the new code, capital punishment applies to offenses including terrorism, espionage, treason, and parricide, with execution methods including firing squad, lethal injection, hanging, and electrocution. In addition to capital punishment, the new code introduces severe sanctions for the ‘apology of terrorism’. Individuals who publicly comment favorably on terrorist acts face 11 to 20 years of imprisonment. If the offense is committed via the press, audiovisual media, or online services, sentences can increase to between 21 and 30 years. Media companies and their leaders also face significant fines and the potential for court-ordered closure or equipment confiscation. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Burkina Faso adopts new penal code with harsh terrorism apology penalties Burkina Faso's new penal code imposes up to 30 years in prison and heavy fines for the apology of terrorism, specifically targeting media and online communication services. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/burkina-faso-adopts-new-penal-code-with-harsh-terrorism-apology-penalties ### 2026-10-20: Burkina Faso reinstates death penalty via new penal code Burkina Faso's legislature has unanimously voted to reinstate the death penalty for offenses including terrorism, treason, and espionage, reversing a 2018 abolition. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/burkina-faso-reinstates-death-penalty-under-new-penal-code --- Cite as: Burkina Faso penal code reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/burkina-faso-penal-code-reform